Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases in Barbados: A Public Health Crisis

Minister’s Call for Collaboration

Barbados Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Davidson Ishmael, addressed the inaugural National Forum for NGOs on Non-Communicable Diseases, emphasizing the need for a collaborative effort between Government and non-governmental organisations to tackle the burden of non-communicable diseases in Barbados.

What are Non-Communicable Diseases?

Noncommunicable diseases are conditions like obesity, diabetes, cancer, or high blood pressure, which cannot be passed from one person to another.

The Cost of Non-Communicable Diseases

According to a Barbados Investment Case study, the direct costs of treating these conditions was substantial, representing a large portion of the national health budget. The broader economic cost of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity was even more profound.

Risk Factors and Prevalence in Barbados

The 2015 Health of the Nation Survey revealed that unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, harmful alcohol use, and obesity were key risk factors to the NCD burden. Additionally, it found that over 65 per cent of adult Barbadians were obese, while 40 per cent were living with hypertension and 20 per cent with diabetes.

Productivity Losses and Economic Impact

Productivity losses resulting from illness, disability, and premature death further exacerbate the financial strain on the economy. The Barbados Investment Case estimates that these indirect costs, driven by decreased workforce participation and premature mortality, contribute millions of dollars more to the national economic burden. Estimates indicate that Barbados spends approximately BBD $64 million annually on cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, and incurs a loss of BBD $145 million each year due to missed workdays, decreased productivity, reduced workforce participation, and the costs of replacing workers affected by these conditions.

Role of NGOs in Addressing Non-Communicable Diseases

NGOs were pivotal in fostering positive changes in public awareness, health behaviours, health education and promotion, to direct patient support. They also collectively helped to shape policies and mobilise resources for NCD management.

Multi-Sectoral Approach Needed

Addressing the NCD crisis requires more than the efforts of NGOs alone, but necessitates a multi-sectoral approach that includes government, healthcare professionals, the private sector, and international partners.

World Health Organization’s “Best Buys” Initiative

The World Health Organization’s “Best Buys” initiative outlines cost-effective interventions that can reduce the burden of NCD risk factors. Barbados has started integrating some of these strategies into our national health policies, but there is still much work to be done. By collaborating with NGOs and other stakeholders, we can build on these foundations and accelerate progress.

Conclusion

The burden of non-communicable diseases in Barbados is a public health crisis that requires a collaborative effort between Government and non-governmental organisations to tackle. A multi-sectoral approach that includes government, healthcare professionals, the private sector, and international partners is necessary to address this crisis.

FAQs

Q: What are non-communicable diseases?

A: Noncommunicable diseases are conditions like obesity, diabetes, cancer, or high blood pressure, which cannot be passed from one person to another.

Q: What are the key risk factors to the NCD burden?

A: Unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, harmful alcohol use, and obesity are key risk factors to the NCD burden.

Q: What is the estimated annual cost of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in Barbados?

A: The estimated annual cost of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in Barbados is approximately BBD $64 million.

Q: What is the estimated annual economic loss due to missed workdays, decreased productivity, reduced workforce participation, and the costs of replacing workers affected by NCDs?

A: The estimated annual economic loss due to missed workdays, decreased productivity, reduced workforce participation, and the costs of replacing workers affected by NCDs is approximately BBD $145 million.