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The Thirty-Ninth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
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The Thirty-Ninth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held at Montego Bay, Jamaica, 4-6 July, 2018. The Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, chaired the proceedings.
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The following extract from the Communiqué issued at the end of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), refers specifically to NCDs.
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NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
Heads of Government noted that the Third United Nations (UN) High-Level Meeting (HLM3) on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) will be held on Thursday, 27 September 2018 at UN Headquarters, New York, USA, under the theme: Scaling up multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral responses to the prevention and control of NCDs in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They agreed that Member States should be represented at the highest level at the Meeting.
They recalled that CARICOM led the world in 2007 in confronting the then emerging health priority of NCDs with the convening of the first ever Summit on the topic. Subsequently, CARICOM States succeeded in placing NCDs on the UN Development Agenda which led to the first UN High Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of NCDs in 2011.
Heads of Government endorsed six priorities on which the Region should advocate for during the negotiation of the Outcome Document. These are: establishing and maintaining a smoke-free status for the Region; implementing policies geared to preventing childhood obesity, including for health-promoting school environments and Front of Package (FOP) labelling; promoting the elimination of cancer of the cervix; support for mitigation of post-disaster vulnerabilities related to NCDs in particular: nutrition, treatment and care; increasing international financing and technical support; and strengthening accountability through national coordinating mechanisms.
They commended the contribution of civil society organisations to regional efforts to counter NCDs.
Heads of Government expressed gratitude to the Pan American Health Organisation and the World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) for the support provided to the CARICOM regional preparations for the HLM3.
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The Heads of Government also made a Declaration on Climate Change which calls on the regional and global community to take concrete steps towards mitigating the devastating impacts of climate change.
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HCC OPEN CONGRATULATORY LETTER
IN RESPONSE TO THE OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE
FOLLOWING THE 39TH REGULAR MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENT JULY 4-6, 2018, JAMAICA
July 9, 2018
The Healthy Caribbean Coalition notes with tremendous pleasure the significant leadership in NCD prevention and control demonstrated by CARICOM Heads of Government and State at the recently concluded 39th Caribbean Community Summit.
CARICOM leaders at the Summit agreed that Member States should be represented at the highest level at the United Nations (UN) High-Level Meeting (HLM3) on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) to be held on Thursday, 27 September 2018 at UN Headquarters, New York, USA. Additionally CARICOM Leaders endorsed six priorities on which the Region should advocate for during the negotiation of the Outcome Document. These are: 1. establishing and maintaining a smoke-free status for the Region; 2. implementing policies geared to preventing childhood obesity, including for health-promoting school environments and Front of Package (FOP) labelling; 3. promoting the elimination of cancer of the cervix; 4. support for mitigation of post-disaster vulnerabilities related to NCDs in particular: nutrition, treatment and care; 5. increasing international financing and technical support; and 6. strengthening accountability through national coordinating mechanisms. These priorities are aligned with HCC’s nine regional advocacy priorities for inclusion in the HLM3 Political Declaration.
Given the significant intersection between climate change and NCDs, we also take this opportunity to recognise the Declaration on Climate Change emerging out of the Summit which calls on the regional and global community to take concrete steps towards mitigating the devastating impacts of climate change.
The need for countries of the Caribbean Community to include the prevention and control of NCDs in their respective national development plans is increasingly recognised to be of critical importance in order to maintain economic and development gains in the region post-Independence especially at this time of tremendous economic challenge. Additionally such action is needed if the Region is to meet global NCD targets and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals which present indicators suggest that many of the countries are unlikely to meet in the absence of strong political leadership galvanising action by health and non-health ministries and civil society and the private sector.
The economic case for adopting the WHO Best Buys and cost effective recommendations and the financing options to support their implementation is becoming increasingly apparent with an appreciation that expenditure in NCDs is a smart and sustainable investment to reduce the adverse cost and health impact of the NCDs. In a recent WHO report it was noted that a 15 per cent reduction in premature mortality could be achieved by 2030 at a very low cost of just an additional $1.27 per person per year in LLMICs.
CARICOM Heads of Government and State have expressed strong and far-reaching commitments to initiatives aimed at NCD prevention and control. All are now encouraged to embrace all sectors of the Caribbean to implement in a scaled–up approach with emphasis on effective universal health coverage undertaken in a setting of strategic financing and mindful of the specific priorities as detailed at the 39th Summit NCD prevention and control.
The HCC once more congratulates CARICOM Heads of Government and State in leadersghip in NCD prevention and control. We have had ENOUGH of NCDs. We will support you at the 3rd United Nations High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases to be held on Thursday, 27th September 2018 at UN Headquarters, New York, USA. We will continue to contribute to the regional civil society response to NCDs in the Caribbean.
Sir Trevor Hassell, HCC President and the Board of Directors and members of the Healthy Caribbean Coalition
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The Thirty-Ninth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
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You can see more video from the Thirty-Ninth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) here
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Civil Society Says Enough is Enough and Calls for a Strong HLM3 Political Document
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(L to R) (L to R) HCC Team Maisha Hutton, Executive Director, HCC, Dr. Christine Chin, member of the Cancer Society of the Bahamas (CSOB), Dr. Williamson Chea, President CSOB, and Dr. Adelia Benjamin, President of the Bovell Cancer and Diabetes Foundation
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Civil society actors descended on New York with a united voice at the UN Interactive Hearing in Advance of the UN HLM on NCDs, held on Thursday July 5th last week. The NCD Alliance had a full house at their customary CSO briefing on July 4th which outlined key priorities for the HLM3 Political Document currently under negotiation.
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(L to R) Professor Alafia Samuels, Director of the George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre/HCC Technical Advisor, Sir George Alleyne, Director Emeritus PAHO/Patron HCC and Dr Karen Sealey, Director HCC/Trinidad & Tobago NCD Alliance
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Sir George Alleyne was present at the briefing and shared his personal reflections on 1st HLM in 2011, the 2nd HLM in 2014 and the upcoming 3rd HLM - noting that political leadership at the highest levels was essential if we are to achieve forward momentum at this turning point and calling on CSO actors to draw on his estimated 4 billion advocates living with NCDs globally.
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Professor Alafia Samuels, Director of the George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre and HCC Technical Advisor at the UN Interactive Hearing on NCDs, July 5, 2018
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Professor Alafia Samuels presented on the Caribbean perspective on the first panel at the Hearing (video above). Others from the Caribbean present at the Hearing included Dr. Karen Sealey, WHO Senior Technical Advisor to CARICOM PRs and members of the HCC team including Dr. Williamson Chea, President of the Cancer Society of the Bahamas (CSOB); Dr. Christine Chin, member of the CSOB; Dr. Adelia Benjamin, President of the Bovell Cancer and Diabetes Foundation; and Maisha Hutton, HCC Executive Director. The HCC made an intervention from the floor (see video below, full text here). |
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Maisha Hutton, HCC Executive Director, made an intervention from the floor at the UN Interactive Hearing on NCDs, July 5, 2018.
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HLM3 Enough Social Media Campaign
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The HCC is committed to playing our role in getting CARICOM Heads of Government and State to walk the talk to the High-level meeting in September. We have created a social media campaign building on the NCD Alliances global ENOUGH campaign. |
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Over the next months we will provide more material that we urge you to share on your social media, get our HLM3 CARICOM heads walk the talk graphics for each head of government and state across the region by clicking the button below.
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Also you can share the videos below on your social media platforms.
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HCC's Call to Action Gains High-Level Support
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The HCC's Call to Action for Childhood Obesity Prevention has been gaining significant support from key influencers around the region. With current statistics indicating that childhood obesity is increasing significantly in the Caribbean, the HCC and over 100 Civil Society Organisations are calling on policymakers and the public to support proven legislation and programmes that will create a healthier food environment for our children.
This Call to Action at www.toomuchjunk.org is significant in raising awareness of the challenges of Childhood Obesity and related non communicable diseases and in giving Caribbean citizens a voice on this issue. It has therefore been heartening to see that not only the general public is responding, but that political and social influencers are adding their voices and their signatures to this significant cause. |
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Hon. Moses V. Nagamootoo, Prime Minister and First Vice-President, Guyana
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Honourable Volda Lawrence, Minister of Public Health, Guyana
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First Lady of Guyana, Mrs Sandra Granger
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First Lady of Belize, Mrs Kim Simplis Barrow
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First Lady of the Bahamas,
Mrs Patricia Minnis
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Barbados Government Senator,
Dr Crystal Haynes
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Honourable Dr Duane Sands,
Minister of Health, the Bahamas
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Honourable Mary Isaac,
Minister of Health, St Lucia
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Since the CTA was launched at the end of March 2018, a number of our key policymakers have also indicated their support through strong statements directed at ensuring change comes to the region:
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Bahamas' Health Minister, Duane Sands has called on the medical fraternity in the Bahamas to join him in the fight to promote a healthier Bahamas. He told Bahamians to expect the nation's Breadbasket items to soon include healthy foods like raw almonds, cashews, fruits and vegetables.
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Jamaica's Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton announced that starting January 2019, sugary drinks will be restricted in schools. He said, There is evidence that excess consumption of drinks with added sugar helps to generate non-communicable diseases.
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Barbados Minister of Health, Colonel Jeffrey Bostic shared that his government is examining the feasibility of restricting foods high in salt, fat and sugar from the school environment and from being marketed to children. He noted that “Childhood obesity is harming Barbados through its impacts on the health and social fabric of the country. Not only is the burden of obesity in children large but it is projected to continue growing unless we take decisive action.”
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Senior Assistant Secretary General of the Barbados Workers Union, Orlando Scott said having examined the tremendous impact of NCDs on the physical health of the labour force and the community as well as the economy; it behooves us in Barbados to start preventive programmes at the level of the schools, “perhaps at preschool levels”.
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The President of the World Heart Federation, in a video of support, described the CTA as an important step in reversing childhood obesity in the Caribbean.
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The HCC and its regional partners have placed Childhood Obesity Prevention among the priority health areas for implementation and are expected to present the Call to Action to Caribbean Heads of Government when they gather in New York for the third United Nations High Level Meeting (UNHLM3) on September 27th. The CTA will continue until November 20th, 2018, encouraging urgent implementation of measures post UNHLM3, that will both secure our region's children and ensure that the Caribbean meets the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
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Problem of Overweight or Obese Children
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The problem of overweight or obese children in Barbados and the Caribbean has reached epidemic proportions and is threatening the future of the region.
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Massy Foundation Supporting Yute Gym
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Director and Treasurer of Massy Foundation Christina Johnson (centre), presenting the cheque to Fiona Anthony, Chief Executive Officer of the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados
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Through a donation from the Massy Foundation, several children enrolled in The Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados’ (HSFB) Teenage Kicks Yute Gym programme will get the necessary nutritional and fitness support needed to help them better manage their specific health challenges.
At a presentation held recently, director and treasurer of Massy Foundation, Christina Johnson, presented a cheque to chief executive officer of the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Fiona Anthony, and paediatric consultant, Professor Anne St John, a director and mentor for the two-year-old programme.
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The Government of Bermuda Sugar Tax Increases
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On 13th June 2018, Bermuda’s Government passed a “Sugar Tax”. The Customs Tariff Amendment (No. 2) Bill will impose a higher import duty on sugar and certain sugary items entering Bermuda. Starting on 1st October 2018, the duty on sugar, sugary drinks, candies and dilutables will see an increase to 50% duty, and will be increased to 75% in April 2019. Diet sodas, 100% fruit juices and diet iced teas will remain at the current duty rates.
Currently the rates on the targeted items range from 0% (pure sugar) to 35% (sodas) (See table above), so the new duty rates represent a significant increase. As Bermuda is a mass importer of our food and not a producer, the Ministry of Health anticipates that the higher duty rates will result in price increases at check-out counters and therefore reduced consumption of these sugary items. In addition, in April 2018 duty rates on some fruits and vegetables were reduced to help make healthy foods more affordable. In January this year, the Ministry of Health published a Sugar Tax Consultation Paper on its website requesting feedback on the suggested contents of the “Sugar Tax”. The Consultation received 351 responses and 52% of respondents were in favour of implementing a “Sugar Tax”. The final Consultation Report and Feedback can be found here.
The Sugar Tax is being implemented as one initiative for tackling obesity and unhealthy eating in Bermuda, where 3 out of 4 adults are overweight or obese. Last year the island spent $77.8 million on diabetes, which is over 10% of the island’s total health bill. Bermuda is struggling to tackle an obesity and chronic disease epidemic and the Sugar Tax is just one way the Ministry of Health is trying to address the issue. Money generated through the tax will be funneled toward health education and healthy living initiatives. The Ministry of Health has multiple initiatives already in place, including Healthy Schools, the EatWell Plate (Bermuda Dietary Guidelines), and a food label guide in grocery stores (a full list can be found in the Consultation document). Bermuda will monitor consumption and overweight in the population to evaluate the impact of these initiatives. The goal is a healthier island and the Sugar Tax is just one step by the Ministry of Health towards this. |
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Turks and Caicos Government Promises to Improve Healthcare
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Governor John Freeman during his throne speech on June 18 in the House of Assembly, said that primary healthcare continues to be a priority.
"The Government accepts as true that good nutrition is an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle, and that when it is combined with physical activity, it can help persons reach and maintain a healthy weight, reduce risk of chronic diseases (like heart disease, hypertension, type two diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain types of cancer), and promote overall health.”
The Government has also adopted a School Nutrition Programme and will finalise an implementation strategy in the near future.
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The How: A Message for the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs
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This September's UN General Assembly high-level meeting (HLM) on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) provides a strategic opportunity to propel the response - from “where do we want to be” to “how do we get there”.
The WHO Independent High-Level Commission on NCDs made a number of solid proposals to inform HLM negotiations. These include a call for governments to enhance regulatory frameworks to protect health, for example, through a code on the marketing of some health–harming products and a full–cost accounting of these products.
The draft of the HLM's political declaration prioritises universal health coverage, including affordable treatment, and promotion of mental health but falls short on the primary prevention of NCDs and promoting healthy societies as per Agenda 2030. The transition from health-harming to health-enhancing products and processes requires action across multiple sectors and strengthened public institutions. We propose an agenda for member state HLM negotiators (panel).
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UN Urged To Emphasize Health Over Profit At Upcoming UN High-Level Meeting On NCDs
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An open letter sent by 242 organisations and individuals to key United Nations and World Health Organization representatives on 4 July demanded that high prices limiting access to medicines and effective treatment be addressed at the upcoming UN High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases.
The High-Level Meeting on NCDs will be held at the UN in New York on 27 September. Member state negotiations are currently taking place over the “ Zero Draft” of the High-Level Political Declaration on NCDs.
As part of the process of engaging relevant stakeholders, the UN held an interactive civil society hearing on 5 July to provide the opportunity for stakeholders to share their priorities and contribute to the preparations for the High-Level Meeting on NCDs. The program for the interactive hearing can be found here and the webcast can be viewed on UN Web TV here. |
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Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products Due to Become International Law in 90 Days
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Washington, DC, 29 June 2018 (PAHO/WHO) - The Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products has reached the number of Parties required for it to become international law, which will come into force in 90 days.
This protocol, which seeks to eliminate all forms of illicit trade in tobacco products, including the illegal production and sale of these products, forms part of the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). It establishes a range of measures to prevent illicit trade, promote law enforcement, and provides the legal basis for international cooperation.
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What the WTO Decision on Plain Packaging Means for Developing Countries
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Australia’s introduction in 2010 of plain packaging to tackle cigarettes and their associated health challenges led to strong backlash from the tobacco industry, bringing an international dispute to a panel of World Trade Organization judges. Tasked with delivering findings on whether plain packaging impedes intellectual property rights or creates a technical barriers to trade, the WTO panel delivered their ruling on June 28, saying that the health outcomes of the measure far outweighed any business impacts.
The decision has major impacts for developing countries looking to battle the array of noncommunicable diseases associated with smoking. |
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Trade Challenges at the World Trade Organization to National Noncommunicable Disease Prevention Policies
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It has long been contested that trade rules and agreements are used to dispute regulations aimed at preventing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Yet most analyses of trade rules and agreements focus on trade disputes, potentially overlooking how a challenge to a regulation’s consistency with trade rules may lead to ‘policy or regulatory chill’ effects whereby countries delay, alter, or repeal regulations in order to avoid the costs of a dispute. Systematic empirical analysis of this pathway to impact was previously prevented by a dearth of systematically coded data.
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Million Hearts® Community-Clinical Linkages Toolkit
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The American Heart Association and the Million Hearts® Collaboration developed the Million Hearts® Community-Clinical Linkages Toolkit to complement the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Practitioner’s Guide: Community-Clinical Linkages for the Prevention and Control of Chronic Diseases.
Heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases kill more than 800,000 Americans each year, accounting for one in every three deaths. Cardiovascular disease is the nation’s number one killer among both men and women and the leading cause of health disparities across the population. To address this issue, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) established Million Hearts®, an initiative co-led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that aims to prevent one million heart attacks, strokes or other cardiovascular events in five years. |
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NCD Child: NCD Advocacy Resources for Youth by Youth
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As a follow-up to the Call to Action: Youth, NCDs, & 2018, NCD Child is pleased to share 2 new resources developed by youth advocates to help promote the inclusion of young people in policy-making and policy targets. Over the past 6 months, young advocates have continued to be vocal about the need for policy makers, civil society, and others to walk the talk with regards to youth inclusion in the global NCD agenda.
To maintain momentum and hold our governments accountable, youth champions encourage their colleagues, networks, and peers to reach out to their Ministers over the next several months in the lead-up to the 3rd UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs. The Next Generation includes over 3.1 billion young people under the age of 25. Now is the time for us to speak up, loudly, and often! |
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U.S. Opposition to Breast-Feeding Resolution Stuns World Health Officials
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A resolution to encourage breast-feeding was expected to be approved quickly and easily by the hundreds of government delegates who gathered this spring in Geneva for the United Nations-affiliated World Health Assembly.
Based on decades of research, the resolution says that mother’s milk is healthiest for children and countries should strive to limit the inaccurate or misleading marketing of breast milk substitutes.
Then the United States delegation, embracing the interests of infant formula manufacturers, upended the deliberations.
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Cities and NCDs: Montevideo's Menu for Reducing Sodium Intake
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A view of Montevideo, Uruguay. Photo by: Marcelo Campi / CC BY-SA
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In Uruguay’s capital city, the government has been waging war against high sodium consumption.
A few years ago, the municipality banned salt shakers, ketchup, and mayonnaise at restaurant tables. Recently, a new decree has expanded that, requiring restaurants in Montevideo to have at least 10 percent of their menu contain food items with no added salt - for public health reasons.
High sodium consumption has been linked to the development of several major NCDs, including high blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease, both of which contribute to high mortality rates in Uruguay. More than 60 percent of deaths of those aged between 30-69 years in Uruguay are due to NCDs, according to Montevideo Mayor Daniel Martínez, based on the country’s last national survey.
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- Won't be at the interactive hearing? Get active online
- NEW: Integrating mental health in the response to NCDs
- Registration opens for High-Level Meeting on NCDs
- Add your voice to the ENOUGH campaign for for the HLM
- Good news week for tobacco control community
- Applications open for 2018 Bakken Invitation
- Eliminate cervical cancer: endorse the statement
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Canadian Industry Giants Fight Proposed Bill banning Junk-food Ads Targeting Children
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Canada’s food and beverage giants are fighting back against proposed legislation that would ban marketing of unhealthy food to children, calling the bill a “significant overreach” that would lead to job losses and serious consequences for the economy.
In a letter to Treasury Board President Scott Brison and Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor dated June 5, industry groups representing major food and beverage companies say Bill S-228 is too restrictive and would prohibit them from advertising many products to adults as well as children.
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Key Messages From Our Publications
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HCC Advocacy Priorities for the 3rd UNHLM on NCDs Outcome Document
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Preparing CARICOM Ministries of Foreign Affairs for the 3rd UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Beyond: a briefing note contribution from civil society
Read more
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The Caribbean NCD Forum – Technical Document: Supporting national and regional advocacy in the Caribbean in the lead up to the 3rd UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs in 2018
Read more
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Diabetes Association of Barbados Camp Pride 2018
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Schools Against Noncommunicable Diseases
(Click on the posters below for more info)
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Caribbean Cardiology Conference 2018
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NCD Alliance Global Week for Action on NCDs
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World Heart Day 2018 September 29
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World Cancer Conference 2018
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International Conference - Climate Change: Impacts on Food & Nutrition Security
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World Congress of Cardiology & Cardiovascular Health
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Please Follow Us and Our Members on Social Media
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If you want to share your organisations social media details in our roundup please let us know hcc@healthycaribbean.org.
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HCC News Roundup Archive - If you have missed any of our News Roundups you can view previous Roundups on our News Roundup Archive webpage here.
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The HCC is a regional network of Caribbean health NGOs and civil society organizations with the remit to combat chronic diseases (NCDs) and their associated risk factors and conditions. Our membership presently consists of more than 65 Caribbean-based health NGOs and over 55 not-for-profit organisations and, in excess of 200 individual members based in the Caribbean and across the globe.
To join the HCC email us at hcc@healthycaribbean.org
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The work of HCC would not be possible without core funding from Sagicor Life Inc
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The HCC promote the work of civil society throughout the Caribbean in a variety of ways including sharing of their materials, this is not an endorsement of their materials or messages. The information contained in this newsletter is for general information purposes only, we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct but any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. Through this newsletter you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of the HCC. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
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