The global and national burden and threat of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) constitutes a major public health challenge of the 21st century that undermines the social and economic development worldwide and in Jamaica. Urgent action is required to mitigate their impact in Jamaica and the rest of the world. In recognition of this global threat the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that NCDs be given priority consideration and that member states develop a national policy framework for the prevention and control of major NCDs and their risk factors.
of all Deaths annually are caused by NCDS
(41,000,000)
of all deaths caused by NCDs annually (32,000,000) are due to the below four (4) disease types:
|
|
Cardio-Vascular Disease
|
44%
|
|
|
Cancers |
22%
|
|
|
Respiratory Illnesses |
10%
|
|
|
Diabetes |
4%
|
of all Deaths annually are caused by NCDS
(16,000)
of all deaths caused by NCDs annually (13,000) are due to the below four (4) disease types:
|
|
Cardio-Vascular Disease
|
38%
|
|
|
Cancers |
25%
|
|
|
Diabetes |
15%
|
|
|
Respiratory Illnesses |
4%
|
The National Healthcare Enhancement Foundation is committed to mobilizing donor support for programmes to reduce the burden and threat of NCDs and to increase the participation, awareness and education of individuals to better take care of their health.
Learn more about our Programmes below and how your donation can help:
Jamaica Moves is a campaign launched by the Ministry of Health and Wellness as part of the country’s coordinated national response to the increased incidences of non-communicable diseases. The campaign is designed to educate, engage and build supportive environments, with the goal of reducing NCDs by 25% by the year 2025.
The Government, through its recently launched ‘Boss Man’ campaign is intensifying efforts to increase awareness about prostate cancer and the need for men to get regular checks. The key message is for men 40 years and older, to “boss up” and make screening for the cancer a part of their annual medical examination.
If detected early, prostate cancer can be treated in a way that gives you quality of life. According to the Jamaica Information Service, A total of 671 men died from prostate cancer in 2016, accounting for 19 per cent of the total cancer deaths on the island, and making prostate cancer a leading public health problem.
Minister of Health and Wellness, The Hon. Christopher Tufton posits that due to cultural beliefs many men continue to “shy away” from getting tested, and often when the cancer is discovered it is “far too late.” The ‘Boss Man’ initiative is being undertaken through sponsorship and collaboration with the Jamaica Cancer Society, Guardian Group, and the Guardsman Group.
Other partners for the campaign include A number of churches, municipal corporations, community groups, and uniformed organizations which have joined onboard to stage health fairs to offer tests and screenings Meanwhile, Minister Tufton says men 40 years and older are screened for prostate cancer at public health care facilities through Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), and Digital Rectal Examination (DRE).
Dr. Tufton notes further that under Priority 4 of the National Strategic and Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Cancer, a proposal is in its final stages to improve the quality of life of persons living and affected by cancer, “through the provision of rehabilitative, supportive and palliative care in an integrated, equitable and sustainable way.”
The Ministry of Health (MoH) launched the “Know Your Numbers” (KYN) Campaign to encourage Jamaicans to undergo regular health checks and become more aware of their health status. This initiative is in response to the rising prevalence of lifestyle diseases as well as an increase in premature deaths across the country. Currently, approximately 236,000 Jamaicans (9% of the population) have diabetes, yet only 106,000 are aware of their condition. Alarmingly, 95,000 individuals have one or more complications related to diabetes, which can lead to amputations, kidney disease, and heart attacks. The KYN Campaign urges individuals to get screened at least once per year.
The goal for 2023-2024 is to conduct 500,000 screenings. In partnership with the National Healthcare Enhancement Foundation (NHEF), the MoHW hosts multiple KYN events, encouraging Jamaicans to not only learn their health status but also take preventive steps to avoid further complications.
In addition to screenings, the MoHW is developing a model to guide healthcare development for Jamaicans from birth. This “life stage” approach aims to empower individuals to make informed health decisions, starting with educational campaigns at the primary healthcare level. Under the KYN Campaign, health facilities across the island will offer basic screening services and support. The campaign has also expanded into communities with the use of a mobile unit, hosting periodic pop-up events throughout the year.
Stay updated on the latest KYN events by following our social media pages.
