Health
World Obesity Day – Tackling the Obesity Epidemic Globally and in the Turks and Caicos Islands
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 4 March 2025: Obesity and being overweight have reached epidemic levels worldwide, posing an increasing threat to public health. This year’s theme for World Obesity Day, 4 March 2025 “Changing Systems, Healthier Lives,” is a call to action for everyone—governments, health professionals, advocates, and the public—to tackle this pressing issue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity rates have nearly tripled since 1975, with the rise in obesity among children and adolescents increasing almost fivefold. This troubling trend is impacting individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and social groups across the Region of the Americas and the world.
In the Region of the Americas, obesity rates are higher than in any other WHO region, with 62.5% of adults affected by overweight or obesity—64.1% of men and 60.9% of women. More concerning, the adult obesity rate is estimated to affect 28% of the population, with 26% of men and 31% of women living with obesity. In the Caribbean, including the Turks and Caicos Islands, rates of overweight and obesity are among the highest in the Americas, and childhood obesity is also rising at an alarming rate, contributing to a growing public health crisis.
Obesity is no longer an issue that only affects adults. It increasingly impacts children and adolescents, with 33.6% of individuals aged 5 to 19 affected by overweight or obesity. Shockingly, 8% of children under the age of five are also affected, according to the latest estimates from UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank. The effects of obesity are far-reaching, leading to long-term health problems, such as heart disease, type II diabetes, certain cancers, and mental health issues.
Obesity is a complex issue influenced by a combination of factors including poor diet, lack of exercise, genetics, and environmental influences. The obesogenic environment—where unhealthy food options are abundant and access to nutritious food is limited—makes it harder for people to make healthy choices. Marketing of unhealthy foods, particularly to children, societal norms, and cultural pressures all contribute to the rising rates of obesity.
The theme “Changing Systems, Healthier Lives” emphasises the need for systemic changes that can create environments that support healthier living. It is not enough for individuals to take personal responsibility alone; collective action is needed to improve access to healthy food, create spaces for physical activity, and provide support for those struggling with obesity. This requires concerted efforts from governments, health professionals, and advocates. To support this effort, community-based initiatives like Let’s Move TCI and local walk/run events provide opportunities for people to stay active and engage in healthier lifestyles.
Let’s Move TCI offers workout ideas, nutrition advice, and fitness classes across the islands, making it easier for individuals and families to embrace an active lifestyle. Participating in local walk/runs encourages physical activity while fostering a sense of community and shared commitment to well-being. Regular exercise helps manage weight, improve heart health, and reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases. By joining these initiatives, residents can take meaningful steps toward a healthier future while inspiring others to do the same.
Recommendations for Preventing Obesity and Promoting Healthier Lifestyles
To support the fight against obesity, the Ministry of Health and Human Services recommends the following actions for individuals and families:
- Eat Healthier, Cook More at Home
Focus on consuming more fruits, vegetables, and whole foods. Prepare simple, nutritious meals at home and avoid processed foods high in sugar and fats. Paying attention to portion sizes can help prevent overeating. - Stay Active Together
Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Make physical activity fun by engaging the whole family in outdoor activities like walking, biking, or gardening. - Drink Water and Cut Back on Sugary Drinks
Replace sugary drinks with water, unsweetened tea, or fruit-infused water. Drinking water before meals can also help reduce overeating. - Snack Wisely and Mindfully
Choose healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, or yogurt. Eat slowly, and be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating. - Prioritise Sleep and Reduce Screen Time
Ensure 7-9 hours of sleep each night for better health and weight management. Limit screen time and encourage physical activity breaks.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Nadia Astwood, emphasised the importance of collective action: “Obesity is a public health crisis that requires a united effort from governments, healthcare providers, and individuals. The theme ‘Changing Systems, Healthier Lives’ is a call to action to build systems that make it easier for everyone to live healthier lives. By improving access to healthy foods, creating environments that encourage physical activity, and providing support for those at risk, we can reduce the burden of obesity and improve the health of our communities.”
World Obesity Day 2025 highlights the urgent need for systemic changes to reduce the growing obesity epidemic and improve overall health. By working together to create healthier environments, raise awareness, and provide support, we can make significant strides in combating obesity. Let’s answer the call to action, focusing on “Changing Systems, Healthier Lives”, for a healthier future for everyone.
For more information please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.
Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
Turks and Caicos, September 6, 2025 – COVID-19 fears in the Turks and Caicos Islands that once had residents on edge are now giving way to a sense of relief. The Ministry of Health and Human Services reports a dramatic reversal: from dozens of new cases in July to zero cases and zero hospitalizations today.
Between August 17 and 23, 2025, officials confirmed no new cases, no hospitalizations, and no new deaths. Just two recoveries were recorded, bringing the national recovery tally to 6,866. The total confirmed cases since 2020 stand at 6,922, with deaths unchanged at 41. Health officials say August has been relatively quiet overall, with 19 new cases and recoveries recorded for the month — a fraction of what the islands faced just weeks earlier.
The contrast could not be sharper. The most concerning bulletin came in mid-July, when the Ministry reported 54 new cases in a single
week. Ten were fresh positives, while the other 44 came from a backlog of April samples. At that time, two new hospitalizations were recorded, and the islands mourned one additional COVID-related death, bringing the total to 41. It was a sobering reminder that the virus was still circulating, pushing recoveries to 6,845 and raising the cumulative case count to 6,910. The July spike stirred fear among residents and renewed calls for vigilance, as community spread and delayed lab results painted a worrying picture.
Fast forward to late August, and the numbers tell a very different story. Not only are new cases negligible, but the hospitals are reporting no COVID-19 patients at all. Officials say testing continues across a wide range of categories, and the Ministry urges the public to stay cautious: wash hands, wear masks in crowded spaces, protect the vulnerable, and get vaccinated. But the tone now is one of optimism.
Since the pandemic began in 2020, Turks and Caicos has recorded nearly 7,000 cases in total, with 6,866 recoveries and 41 deaths. The islands’ small population means every case has felt significant, and surges like July’s were especially unsettling. But today’s figures suggest the country has reached a new stage: COVID-19 is no longer the disruptive force it was. The Ministry credits continued public vigilance and the accessibility of free testing and vaccines at government clinics. While the numbers are cause for celebration, health leaders are careful not to declare the fight over. The Ministry’s latest bulletin reminds residents to maintain hygienic practices, follow self-isolation guidelines if infected, and ensure vaccinations are up to date.
The pandemic may not be entirely behind the Turks and Caicos, but compared to the frightening figures of July, the near-zero landscape of August offers a powerful sign of hope.
The Ministry released the bulletin on September 2, confirming that for the week of August 17–23, no new cases, hospitalizations, or deaths were recorded — a sharp contrast to the surge just weeks earlier.
Health
Turks and Caicos Islands Health Delegation Completes Strategic Visits to Florida and Cayman Islands to Advance Health Sector Reform and Strengthen Treatment Abroad Programme
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 22 August 2025 — A high-level delegation from the Ministry of Health and Human Services (MOHHS) has successfully concluded strategic working visits to Florida and the Cayman Islands from August 5–13, 2025. The mission aimed to strengthen the Treatment Abroad Programme, explore innovative health system models, and advance the Turks and Caicos Islands’ health sector reform agenda through strategic regional partnerships.
Delegation Members:
- Hon. Kyle Knowles – Minister of Health and Human Services
MoHHS Team with Health City Executive Management Team
- Mrs. Desiree Lewis – Permanent Secretary, Health and Human Services
- Mr. Lynrod Brooks – Director, Health Policy and Planning
- Ms. Florinda Talbot – Contract Performance Manager
- Mrs. Romaine Missick-Smith – CEO, Health Regulations Authority
- Ms. Jasmine Malcolm – Executive Administrator, MOHHS
Minister of Health and Human Services, Hon. Kyle Knowles, highlighted the significance of these engagements:
“These visits were not ceremonial; they were strategic, focused, and impactful. In Florida, we reinforced partnerships with leading healthcare providers to ensure TCI patients referred overseas receive the highest standards of clinical care and patient support. In the Cayman Islands, our mission was two-fold: to study the operations of the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority as a model to guide the establishment of our own Health Services Authority, and to strengthen ties with Cayman-based treatment partners, where many of our patients are referred under the Treatment Abroad Programme. Both visits underscored that small island states share many health challenges, and that collaboration, innovation, and adapting best practices to our local context are essential to achieving better health outcomes for our people.”
Florida – Strengthening the Treatment Abroad Programme
MoHHS Team with Cayman Minsterial officials
During the period August 5–9, the delegation visited Broward Medical Center, University of Miami Health System, Cleveland Clinic, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, and the International Reinsurance Managers Network. They also toured REVA Air Ambulance Services to review medical evacuation operations and patient transfer management. Discussions centered on patient care pathways, specialized services in ophthalmology, cardiology, oncology, and pediatrics, family-centered care models, advanced telemedicine for pre- and post-treatment consultations, and reinsurance strategies for high-cost overseas cases. Key outcomes include agreements to expand telehealth consultations, develop a standardized referral package to reduce delays, explore reinsurance arrangements to safeguard public health budgets, and establish specialized pediatric transfer protocols.
Cayman Islands – Health Sector Reform and Treatment Abroad Partnerships
From August 10–13, the delegation engaged with senior executives at Health City Cayman Islands, including Dr. Binoy Chattuparambil (Clinical Director), Shomari Scott (Chief Business Development Officer), Rebecca Brooks (Head of Marketing and Sales), and Ingrid Harris (Sales and Marketing). The team toured two hospital facilities and held in-depth discussions with Lizzette Yearwood, Chief Executive Officer along with leadership staff of the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority
The focus was two-fold:
- Health Sector Reform – Examining governance, financial management, and operational structures of the Cayman Islands HSA model
MoHHS Team with CEO and senior official Cayman HSA
to inform TCI’s development of its own Health Services Authority.
- Treatment Abroad Strengthening – Reviewing current referral arrangements with Cayman healthcare partners to enhance patient care coordination and improve treatment pathways for TCI patients referred to Cayman.
The delegation also met with Honourable Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Minister for Health, Environment, Sustainability, and Honourable G. Wayne Panton, Parliamentary Secretary for Health. The team concluded with a meeting with Acting Premier Hon. Gary B. Rutty and Cabinet members, reaffirming the shared commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes through regional collaboration.
Next Steps
The Ministry will incorporate lessons learned from these visits into ongoing health reform planning, ensuring that the proposed Health Services Authority is tailored to TCI’s needs while reflecting regional best practices. Efforts will continue to ensure that the Treatment Abroad Programme delivers efficient, sustainable, and patient-centered care.
