Bahamas News
CARPHA Updates Region on World Diabetes Day 2021
November 16, 2021 – “Diabetes causes death and disability. Complications from diabetes can lead to heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and lower limb amputation. This disease can adversely affect both the quality and length of your life, and screening for diabetes should be part of your routine health checks,” stated CARPHA Executive Director Dr. Joy St. John in observance of World Diabetes Day 2021.
Diabetes is one of the most common non-communicable diseases (NCDs). According to the IDF Diabetes Atlas, North America and the Caribbean are ranked 4th in the world with an age-adjusted comparative diabetes prevalence in adults 20-79 years of age of 11.1 %. Projected prevalence in 2030 and 2045 are 12.3% and 13.0% respectively.[1] In 2019, the country in the Americas with the highest age-standardised mortality (excluding chronic kidney disease) due to diabetes was Guyana with 82.6 deaths per 100, 000 population. Several Caribbean countries were in the top ten and include 3rd Trinidad and Tobago, and 4th Haiti at 69.6 and 68.2 per 100,000, respectively. (PAHO 2019)[2]
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted services for the prevention and treatment of NCDs, affecting global efforts to control diabetes. Persons living with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms and are among the most impacted by the pandemic.
It is important that our health systems make every effort to meet the health care needs of people living with and affected by NCDs. CARPHA encourages Member States to strengthen their systems to ensure support and care are accessible to all persons with diabetes, and the availability and equitable distribution of essential medicines and insulin.
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) provides technical support to Member States to improve access to care for persons living with diabetes and minimise the impact of the disease. Raising the Bar: CARPHA Guidelines on the Management of Diabetes in primary care and COVID-19, a five-part webinar series hosted by CARPHA in 2020, aimed to disseminate the standard of care for diabetes, and provide an update on diabetes clinical
management and COVID-19 infection.
Available, quality-assured, affordable medicines and technologies are part of a major strategy for reducing the burden of NCDs, such as diabetes. The Agency continues to assess the quality of medications available in the Region through testing and analysis, surveillance and regulation, and promoting pharmacovigilance of medicines for diabetes management.
The Agency, in collaboration with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) updated the CARPHA Guidelines on the Management of Diabetes in Primary Care in the Caribbean. These guidelines offer instructions on care for persons with diabetes (PwD), and are intended to support, strengthen and standardise the management of diabetes and improve outcomes in care of diabetes in Member States. CARPHA has also hosted training for health professionals to support the implementation of these guidelines in their respective countries.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease and can be prevented. The effects can be avoided or delayed with diet, physical activity, medication and regular screening and treatment for complications. Cultural norms which steer people away from healthy lifestyles within the Caribbean are a major contributing factor. It is important for persons to place their health before personal preferences.
If you are at risk of Type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes can help prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes. This includes:
- Avoiding tobacco use
- Eating a healthy diet which includes at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day and reduce intake of fats and sugars
- Remaining physically active – at least 30 minutes of regular moderate-intensity physical activity on most weekdays (for adults); and 60 minutes moderate to vigorous physical activity everyday (for children)
- Maintaininga normal body weight
With the right treatment and care, persons living with diabetes can live a healthy life. For those already affected, the good news is that you are in control, and can prevent complications from diabetes by
- taking your medication as instructed by a health care provider
- having regular screening and treatment for complications
- practicing a healthy lifestyle.
World Diabetes Day is observed annually on 14 November. The theme for 2021 to 2023 is Access to Diabetes Care.
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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