Small island States to accelerate action on preventable diseases, mental health

(United Nations News) Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are among countries that have the highest prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health risks in the world. Now, UN health agency WHO, is pledging to work more closely with them, to help save and improve lives. 

This follows a two-day meeting in Barbados hosted by the Government, WHO and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which concluded on Wednesday. 

Over half of all people living in small island countries are dying prematurely from preventable diseases and the rate of hypertension is over 30 per cent in nearly all countries, according to a new WHO data portal. 

SIDS account for 10 of the nations with the highest rates of obesity worldwide.  

They also are on track to have the highest prevalence of diabetes among adults in the world, while rates of mental health conditions reach as high as 15 per cent in the Caribbean and the Pacific. 

The situation is partly due to multiple overlapping crises affecting countries, WHO explained. 

Read more at: United Nations News

Source: CARICOM TODAY