Health authorities here in Guyana have made it clear that this year (2016), increased focus will be placed on addressing issues relating to Chronic diseases or Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
NCDs include cancer, diabetes and hypertension, which despite their prevalence, are easily preventable diseases by simply (adopting) healthier lifestyles. Simple habits such as eating healthy, and reducing the intake of harmful substances such as tobacco and alcohol can make a huge difference in a person’s life.
Minister of Public Health Dr. George Norton reported that over the past six months, there have been supervisory assessments of the Regional Diabetic Foot Centers in Regions 2, 3,4,5,6, and 10 for a pilot of the Chronic Diseases Medical Record and chronic care passport in these sites, to implement the recommendations emanating from the pilot. This would include training of healthcare workers in the use of the chronic diseases medical record and the chronic care passport.
The Minister reported that several successful workshops were held on the United Nation’s Sustainable Development goals, as well as training for the Global Youth Tobacco Survey.
Also, the Minister announced that the anti-tobacco legislation will be presented to the National Assembly this year.
