Consultations begin on January 19, 2011.

The consultations are being held to acquire feedback on the draft national policy and a strategic framework on the prevention and control of Non-communicable and Chronic Diseases (NCDs).

Coordinator, Health Promotion Services, Ivy George shared with the Department of Information and Public Relations that the consultation process will begin from Wednesday, January, 19 2011 to Thursday, February 3, 2011 and once feedback has been received the document will be finalised and sent to Cabinet for approval.

The strategic framework was developed using a population health approach and promotes measures and interventions to reduce major risk factors. The key risk factors for chronic disease that the STEPs Risk factor survey revealed are the common problems in the Territory. These risk factors are abuse of alcohol, unhealthy diets and lack of physical activity.

According to the Health Promotion Unit, earlier initiatives for the prevention and control of NCDs have been fragmented and focus on a health sector response. This strategy outlines policy guidance and broad strategic directions for stakeholders to focus on a sustained and coordinated public health response to prevent and control NCDs and to improve the health and well being of the entire population.

The NCDs Prevention framework will involve an integrated and multidisciplinary approach that engages, but is not limited to key ministries and departments including education, agriculture, trade and transportation.

The private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society will also have important roles in the process.

Ms. George explained, “The Ministry of Health and Social Development has declared the prevention and control of non-communicable disease (NCDs) a national priority and has established a focal appoint in the Ministry to coordinate the work.”

She added, “One of the priorities of the Ministry for 2011 is the completion of a national NCDs Strategy to guide this work and it is receiving technical support for this project from the Public Health Agency of Canada through CAMEN Policy Observatory on Chronic Non-communicable Diseases.”

The Health Promotion Coordinator noted that public feedback is a significant aspect of the development process for the policy and advised that an informational schedule on the public consultations will be issued.

Additionally, there will be a series of television discussions, as well as other opportunities for the public to engage in on-line discussions. Ms. George encourages the public to note and attend the meetings in their locations and to participate in the various opportunities to provide feedback.

The Health Promotion Unit of the Ministry of Health and Social Development is responsible for healthy public policy development and activities which promotes empowerment for individuals to build healthy communities in the Virgin Islands.