The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment has launched a month of activities as it continues to address the problems associated with Chronic Non-communicable Diseases (NCD’s).

The Agency for Public Information (API) said in a release that the launch of the activities, which are also in commemoration of Caribbean Wellness Day, was done at the Beachcombers Hotel on Tuesday, September 6.

Speaking at the ceremony Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment, St. Clair Prince said Chronic Non-Communicable
Diseases are a threat to the nation’s overall health and well being and must be treated as such.

Therefore a collective national response is required, as well as a change in individual lifestyles and habits to reduce the incidences of diabetes and hypertension.

“When we look at it closely, these (NCD’s) present very serious socio- economic problems for a small island developing state like St Vincent and the Grenadines,” Prince said.

He noted that his ministry is redoubling efforts to respond to this scourge and greater emphasis will be placed on NCD’s going forward.

Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Roger Duncan underscored the minister’s comments noting that responsible choices must be made and encouraged as NCD’s not only put a strain on the country’s health sector and finances, but are the leading causes of death in this country.