Eye Care Caribbean - Eye Care Caribbean
Research and Evidence
THE GROWING BURDEN OF NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN
Human Development Unit
Caribbean Country Management Unit
Latin America and the Caribbean Region
The World Bank
Countries comprising the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States1 (OECS) face a growing challenge of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs are responsible for six of the top ten leading causes of death in the region, represent a growing portion of health spending, and impose a large economic burden at the societal, community, and household level. The common underlying risk factors fueling the crisis are poor diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and alcohol abuse. Current policies and programs do not sufficiently focus on prevention and could be improved with a multisectoral and coordinated approach.
NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN JAMAICA: MOVING FROM PRESCRIPTION TO PREVENTION
Human Development Unit
Caribbean Country Management Unit
Latin America and the Caribbean Region
The World Bank
The countries of the Caribbean region have experienced a rapid and complex epidemiological transition in the past decades. Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death throughout the Americas, but the epidemic has hit the Caribbean region particularly hard. Recognizing the threat of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), heads of government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) convened a Regional Summit, “Stemming the Tide of Non-Communicable Diseases”, on September 15, 2007, which called for comprehensive and integrated prevention and control strategies aimed at containing the emerging epidemic of NCDs.
Jamaica is a Caribbean country that has initiated comprehensive programs to address NCDs. The government created the National Health Fund (NHF) to reduce the cost of treatment of NCDs and finance some prevention programs.
The main objective of this study is to learn from Jamaica’s experience in tackling major NCDs and related risk factors, to provide policy options for Jamaica to improve its NCD programs and to share with other countries the lessons learned from its experience.
Fact Sheet: The Growing Burden of Non- Communicable Diseases in the Eastern Caribbean
The Growing Burden of Non- Communicable Diseases in the Eastern Caribbean- Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) account for 6 of the top 10 leading causes of death in the Eastern Caribbean.
- The underlying risk factors are poor diet, physical inactivity, tobacco consumption, and alcohol abuse.
- People are living longer, which presents new demands on the health systems in OECS countries*.
- Women represent a larger percentage of the population and the 65+ segment is growing relative to the younger segment.
- NCDs now surpass communicable diseases as the leading cause of death in the OECS countries.
- 70 percent of “Years of Life Lost” are now due to NCDs compared to a global average of less than 50 percent and 60 percent for low- and middle-income countries in the Americas.
Fact Sheet: Non-Communicable Diseases in Jamaica: Moving from Prescription to Prevention
Non-Communicable Diseases in Jamaica: Moving from Prescription to Prevention- Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in Jamaica. The most prevalent are hypertension, diabetes and asthma.
- Patterns of a specific disease vary considerably by socioeconomic subgroups, but females, seniors, and rural residents are at higher risk.
- Unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are major risk factors.
- Jamaica is carrying a double burden of both communicable diseases and NCDs.
- NCDs are rising substantially and rapidly as the population lives longer.
- 63 percent of “Years of Life Lost” are due to NCDs compared to a global average of less than 50 percent and 60 percent for low- and middle-income countries in the Americas.
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