THE Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, in collaboration with the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) and Cathay General Hospital, continues to make significant strides in strengthening Saint Lucia’s primary healthcare system through a four-year capacity-building project for the prevention and control of Metabolic Chronic Diseases.
The project targets and improves screening, management, and control of conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. With its implementation already making tangible impacts across communities, the initiative is helping to reshape health outcomes island-wide.
The fourth workshop component initiated on April 2nd to 3rd at the Bel Jou Hotel focused on integrating the CARPHA and HEARTS guidelines for diabetes and hypertension into primary care practice. Dr. Shana Cyr-Philbert, Senior Medical Officer for Non-Communicable Diseases and Workshop Coordinator, emphasized the broad reach of the project.
“When the project was conceptualized, four main health regions 5, 6, 7, and 8 were scheduled to receive help. To date, most, if not all, regions have been touched in one way or another by the work of the project,” explained Dr. Cyr-Philbert.
Her Excellency Nicole Su, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Saint Lucia, applauded the joint efforts behind the initiative. “Over the past two years, we have made significant strides, empowering policymakers and instructors, hosting more than 10 public education sessions, and organizing over 20 screening events, reaching over 1,000 people in communities across Saint Lucia,” she stated.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, Jenny Daniel, noted that the project is now fully embedded into the Ministry’s operational framework. “The project caters to expert training in health promotion, self-management, and the prevention and control of diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Two cohorts of healthcare professionals have been trained in Taiwan, and have since led activities in education, promotion, and screening,” noted Permanent Secretary Daniel.
Moses Jn. Baptiste, Minister for Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, expressed deep gratitude for the enduring support of Taiwan. “Our government is committed to putting more resources into healthcare, continuing healthcare reform, and showing appreciation for the meaningful work being done in our communities,” the Minister added.
To date, three major capacity-building workshops have been conducted, each equipping clinical staff with up-to-date training and practical tools to effectively manage chronic conditions using a client-centred approach.
The Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to combating chronic diseases through education, prevention, and enhanced clinical care.