The pivotal role of nurses, especially in polyclinics, cannot be underestimated, says Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness Wayne Marshall.
He made the point as he was delivering remarks during a service at St John’s Parish Church recently to mark the start of Public Health Nurses Week 2025. It is being held under the theme: Healthy Nurse, Quality Care, Healthy Nation.
“This week gives us an important opportunity to pause and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our dedicated nurses – those who provide essential care through the polyclinic system of Barbados, with the goal of promoting, protecting, and restoring the health and well-being of our people.
“Our polyclinic nurses, also known as primary health care nurses, are often the first point of contact for individuals entering our health system. These front-line professionals provide critical, life-spanning services, supporting planned pregnancies, preparing parents, monitoring childhood development, guiding adolescents, and managing both acute and chronic illnesses in adulthood. At every stage, they champion healthy lifestyles that contribute to national productivity and ultimately lead to healthier ageing for our citizens,” Marshall told the congregation.
“As we reflect on this year’s theme, we are reminded that the ability of our nurses to deliver high-quality care is directly linked to their own health and well-being. A nurse who is cared for – one who prioritises self-care and is supported by the system – is best equipped to offer the compassionate, attentive care that our nation deserves. As the saying goes, they must ‘put on their own seat belt first’.
“I wish to sincerely congratulate our team of nurses for another year of outstanding, selfless service. I encourage each of you to use this week to focus on your personal health and well-being, knowing that a healthy nurse is essential to building a healthier, stronger and more productive Barbados,” he added.
Marshall expressed concern over the rising incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, the increasing rates of obesity and physical inactivity, the rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and the ongoing impacts of climate change and social unrest.
“Today, I want to place special focus on the issue of unhealthy diets, which significantly contribute to the burden of NCDs – diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. According to the World Health Organisation, these diseases are responsible for more than 70 per cent of all deaths worldwide, including the premature deaths of 15 million people each year, many of whom are in the prime of their lives.
“The rise in NCDs is closely linked to five major risk factors: unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, harmful alcohol use, air pollution and tobacco use, all of which can be addressed through education, community outreach and lifestyle changes that our nurses so skilfully lead.”
He said simple but effective dietary changes, “such as eating more fresh fruits, vegetables, peas, beans, nuts, and whole grains, can greatly reduce disease risk, as can limiting salt, sugar and unhealthy fats in our diets. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is another critical intervention. It provides protection against childhood obesity and cardiovascular disease later in life”.
He said the importance of mental and spiritual health could not be undervalued as they were essential components of holistic health.
“Healthy bodies and healthy minds give us the strength and energy to meet the demands of our communities.”
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