NCDs remain a challenge

The incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and hypertension remain a concern in this country, and Minister of Health, John Boyce says he wants to see Barbadians doing more to change their diets and engage in physical activity.

Moreover, Minister Boyce said it is imperative that Barbadians eat a significant share of fruits and vegetables. He alluded that this would go a long way in helping persons to live longer and healthier lives. Speaking during a recent press conference at the Democratic Labour Party’s headquarters, Boyce also noted that there is concern about the quantities of food locals are consuming as single meals, and he suggested that is also an area that persons should look to address.

He made the comments as he noted that as 80 per cent of persons have some form of NCD and some 30 per cent of those are critical. That, he said, is made worse by the fact that 30 per cent of persons are obese, a leading risk factor for developing NCDs. Boyce also raised concern about the financial strain of treating these diseases and their complications. He made the point while referring to kidney dialysis treatment, which he said is costing in the region of $60 000 to $70 000 per year for each patient. At present, he said the patient cohort is around 300.

“We have to get that message across to the public as to what we can do in our lifestyles, in ourselves to bring this programme in line,” he said.

With that in mind, he made it clear that his Ministry is not throwing their hands in the air and giving up, but is committed to encouraging Barbadians to seek early interventions and to change their lifestyles. In that vein, he referred to the tax on sweetened beverages, which he said may have caused some concern for beverage manufacturers given the impact it could have on their profits, but he said it appears to be bearing fruit. The 10 per cent tax, he explained, is not only intended to raise revenue, but to educate persons and bring about a positive change in behaviour.

“…We need to go back to that taxation to try to assist Barbadians in making that decision, hopefully by indicating that if you choose a beverage which is not as sweet, which is not as high in its sugars… if you choose a food that is less of a risk factor, you are likely to benefit,” he said.

To date, he said the “10 per cent is rolling out at about 6 per cent”, showing that there is a level of absorption by the companies, and a level of pass on to the consumers.
(JRT)