“It is something that needs to be highlighted. It is something that needs to be addressed because we know that having a chronic or non-communicable disease can lead to premature death, disability, and suffering,” Brewley Massiah said recently.

She said one of the reasons that the message about non-communicable diseases (NCDs) was being driven home at this time, was that COVID-19 has highlighted the impact that NCDs can have on people’s lives.

According to the National Epidemiologist, approximately 80 percent of the Americas suffer from non-communicable diseases. She said this was no different for the BVI.

“At least for the last decade, NCDs such as diabetes, and hypertension and cancer have ranked in the top five of our killers,” Brewley Massiah stated.

She said the BVI needs to start creating a community and environment where children can have a healthier life and a healthier sustainable future.

“Unfortunately, we have created a system that has perpetuated ill health and that’s something we need to start correcting now,” she warned.

Meanwhile, Public Health Nutritionist, Patrice Maduro, said officials have been trying to arrive at the root cause or the driving force behind NCDs in the territory.

She said health officials have also been seeking areas of prevention to help minimise risks among the population.

“By the time you’re diagnosed, and receive treatment, you have done passed so many phases where you can have done something to lower your risk and to prevent NCDs. So, that’s also what we are looking at as well. [We’re] looking at the areas of prevention – where exactly can we tap into to actually lower the risk of NCDs as well,” she said.