About 4000 diabetics in VI- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley
Hon Wheatley revealed this statistic while giving remarks at a fundraising cocktail event of the BVI Diabetic Association on Friday, November 15, 2024, at the Governor’s House. November is being recognised as Diabetes Awareness Month, and Thursday, November 14, 2024, has been designated World Diabetes Day.
According to Hon Wheatley, “In the Virgin Islands, it is estimated that as many as 4,000 people may be living with diabetes, with over 50 individuals on dialysis, with nearly half due to diabetes.”
He encouraged all individuals, especially those at risk, to prioritise annual health screenings, to include diabetic checks, to monitor and manage their health proactively.
Continuing Education Programme & awareness campaign
Hon Wheatley added that his ministry will soon launch a continuing education programme that will feature “world-renowned experts”. This programme will sensitise healthcare providers on the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Better Care for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and the HEARTS approach to clinical care.
“This two-part series will include contributions from global clinical experts, WHO Collaborating Centres experts and PAHO’s Washington and Caribbean staff. These sessions will focus on sensitising local clinicians on these evidence-based approaches to care, in preparation for PAHO’s technical assistance in implementing them within the Virgin Islands,” the Health Minister explained.
He added that the ministry will also launch an awareness campaign this month.
“As Minister for Health and Social Development, along with the Ministry of Health and Social Development, I am fully committed to leading efforts to improve care for individuals living with diabetes and to reduce the impact of diabetes on our community,” Hon Wheatley stated.
He also encouraged persons to join in on community-based physical activities, support important health initiatives, and make regular physical exercise a part of their daily lives.
“It is my hope that this Diabetes Awareness Month will inspire us all to take proactive steps for a healthier tomorrow,” Hon Wheatley said.
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22 Responses to “About 4000 diabetics in VI- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley”
It’s mass depopulation in action.
Creating better cooks for this territory, will reduce hospital, create workforce will reduce criminals, create excellent workers with a buddy system will push the workforce to build a better nation.
I will add, to top if off, when people are admitted to the hospital, some of them pick up diabetes from their hospital food. You would think our big and accredited hospital has a dietician. Look like the chefs at the hospital cook like when they in their own homes.