Caribbean Moves was officially launch on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at Emancipation Park, which is aimed at reducing the burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) across the region. The event was hosted by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, SERHA, Kingston and St. Andrew Health Department and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).
The event included participation of representatives from Montserrat, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda and others. It also featured demonstrations of healthy food preparation, health screenings, immunisation and a live workout session with Sweet Energy Fitness, Body by Kurt and others.
Caribbean Moves encourages persons to engage in physical activity, have routine age-appropriate health checks and practice healthy eating to reduce the risks of NCDs, which are the leading cause of death across the region. These include diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, cancers, and others. It also seeks to engage public and private sector organisations to promote and support preventative health behaviours.
Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness, in his address, said the initiative demonstrates a fusion of Caribbean people and culture to promote healthy lifestyle habits. “This movement is for the Caribbean…it’s in the interest of all of us and I really hope it grows and expands and not just [be] an event, but becomes part of the new culture,” he said.
It models Jamaica Moves, which engages all sectors of society in behaviours aimed at the prevention and control of NCDs, such as physical activity, healthy eating and routine health checks.
Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton (left),Minister of Health and Wellness and Hon. Juliet Cuthbert Flynn (second left), State Minister in the Ministry, applaud following the unveiling of the sign launching the Caribbean Moves initiative at Emancipation Park in Kingston, on Wednesday (September 14, 2022). Sharing the moment are Dr. Joy St. John (second right),Executive Director, Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Mr. Isaac Solomon, Vice President, Operations, Caribbean Development Bank and another representative from CARPHA.
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