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22 April 2024
Critical negotiations on plastic pollution begin in Ottawa, Canada
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22 April 2024
Secretary-General's Message for the International Mother Earth Day
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Story
18 April 2024
Artists, Activists and Ex-Leaders launch unprecedented call for reform of global financial system
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The Sustainable Development Goals in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean
The United Nations Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean in collaboration with its partners is supporting implementation of the sustainable development goals across the 10 countries covered by our multi-country office (MCO). These 17 Global Goals are a roadmap to address the most pressing challenges facing Caribbean citizens and persons all over the world, to create a sustainable future for all.
Kindly note that the data visualizations show an aggregate of the Caribbean. To view the disaggregated data per country, please click on the name of the country or territory you wish to explore.
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11 April 2024
Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory receives international designation
Bridgetown, Barbados, 8th April 2024 (PAHO) - It was a historic day for Barbados on 8th April 2024, when the World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory as a National Influenza Centre (NIC).On 31st October 2023, the World Health Organization recognized the laboratory as a National Influenza Centre (NIC) and as a member of the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS). During the April ceremony, the official certificate of designation was presented to the lab.PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, Dr. Amalia Del Riego, deemed the occasion a celebration of “the unwavering commitment to health and safety that this represents for Barbados and the wider Caribbean region.”Dr. Del Riego stated that “the laboratory is recognized for its high standards and its ability to perform specialized diagnostics which contribute to global flu surveillance and provide critical data that helps in the fight against flu and pandemics.”The lab’s new role will “empower Barbados to better understand the flu, track its changes and protect the population through more effective vaccines and treatments.”The audience comprising Best-dos Santos Laboratory and Ministry of Health and Wellness staff also heard that many international partners who joined them at the ceremony from the European Union, the US Government, USAID, the Argentinian government, the UK AID, and Canada, have been instrumental in providing support to the laboratory through PAHO.Prime Minister the Hon. Mia Amor Mottley lauded the designation as a measure of pride for us. The Prime Minister remarked that “we have shown that it is possible to be able to reach global excellence and to have this designation by the World Health Organization says to the rest of the world that this lab has reached these standards and is capable of being trusted.”For us to have a lab, said the Prime Minister, that can be truly trusted with respect to its results “doesn’t mean there’s always perfection, but that the systems and processes are worthy of trust and that if something goes wrong, we can easily and quickly determine what has happened in order to get back on the straight and narrow path.”Referring to Barbadian health champions Sir Kenneth Standard, Sir Kenneth Stuart and former PAHO Director Sir George Alleyne, Prime Minister Mottley said Barbados has shown, particularly in public health, that we are able to produce some of the best in the hemisphere and the world.The prime minister observed that investing in health means Barbados is moving from monitoring and diagnosing to research and said: “Our people have the capacity also to be at the cutting edge of the research capabilities that we need in this world to make lives better for our people.”The lab was also credited with providing employment opportunities.Describing the designation as recognition of years of hard work, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Davidson Ishmael, credited the lab with processing more than 800,000 tests over the last three years.As part of the government’s strategic plan, he said, enhanced laboratory services will include cancer diagnostics which includes immunohistochemistry staining, analysis of cancer biomarkers, flow cytometry, genetic testing and more. Screening for COVID-19, influenza A and B are offered and screening protocols for pancreatic and breast cancers are being developed. Antimicrobial resistance surveillance and monitoring is also undertaken by the lab, along with other testing.Sixty-three million dollars has been allocated toward primary health care in the new financial year, said the Minister, and $2 million has been earmarked for laboratory services, while another $1 million is going toward the upgrade of laboratory equipment.The Best-dos Santos Laboratory has been instrumental in supporting the neighbouring countries in the Eastern Caribbean, offering training, sharing knowledge, and building capacity. At its helm is its Director, The Most Honorable Songee Beckles FB, FMT, PhD, who guided the audience through the lab’s evolution from dream to an amalgamation of laboratories. The lab opened in 2018 with funding from the US Government and the Barbados Government.Credit: PAHO/Brenda Lashley - Director of the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory, The Most Honorable Songee Beckles, FB, FMT, PhD (second from right) with staff of the laboratory.
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30 March 2024
UNICEF and OECS Strengthen Partnership to Improve Lives of Children in Eastern Caribbean
Castries, Saint Lucia, 26 March 2024 - UNICEF and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Tuesday signed a renewed Partnership Agreement, which will directly impact the lives of children and young people across OECS Member States. The agreement supports the OECS Human and Social Development Strategy, focusing on key areas aligned with the missions of both UNICEF and the OECS. These areas are Child Protection, Social Protection, Inclusive Education, Youth Engagement, and Climate and Resilience. “UNICEF represents one of the finest examples of collaboration and partnership between the OECS and a UN Agency,” said OECS Commission Director General Dr. Didacus Jules. “This partnership is distinct, with active discussions and engagement on concepts, ideas, and experiences that enrich both organizations.” Dr. Jules revealed that the new OECS-UNICEF partnership extends beyond OECS Member States to include British Overseas Territories as Associated Members. He commended UNICEF's continuous support in strengthening integration within the OECS. UNICEF Representative for the Eastern Caribbean, Pieter Bult, underscored the importance of his organization's close relationship with the OECS Commission. “Our partnership with the OECS is invaluable,” Bult declared. “We aim to make the OECS more effective, especially in areas of joint interest, and for our teams to work closer together on planning and implementing projects.” Mr. Bult emphasized the unique challenges facing Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the OECS as another area of priority. “Children’s lives cannot be addressed through a sectoral lens,” said Bult. “We need to see the collective impact of our interventions to achieve real progress. There is still much work to do, especially with increasing child poverty post-COVID and the need to focus on Early Childhood Education. With the OECS’s help, we hope to make a significant difference.” The OECS plans to increase the visibility of UNICEF-funded programmes, including beneficiary testimonials and a documentary highlighting key milestones and successes of the long-standing partnership. Dr. Jules concluded by stating, “In all our partnerships, our partners' flag will fly equally high beside ours.”
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11 April 2024
FAO Partners with Barbados to Build a High-Performance, Sustainable Agricultural Sector
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is joining forces with the Barbadian government to elevate the country's agricultural sector to a position of excellence, contributing to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This collaborative effort, aligned with SDG 2: Zero Hunger, was highlighted during a recent meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security, bringing together FAO Assistant Director-General Manuel Barange, Country Representative Juan Cheaz, and Minister Indar Weir.Strengthening Collaboration and Resource SharingMinister Indar Weir expressed his enthusiasm for the progress report presented by FAO Assistant Director-General Manuel Barange and Country Representative Juan Cheaz on the Country Programme Framework Agreement signed in 2023."We aim to leverage this opportunity to identify areas for further development based on the current initiatives," stated Minister Weir. "Collaboration with various stakeholders, particularly international partners, will provide access to vital research and development resources, alongside best practices from around the world, to propel Barbados' agricultural sector forward," he added, emphasizing the importance of partnerships which contributes to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.The FAO has committed a significant $17 million investment over four years (2022-2026) to achieve the program's priorities, potentially creating employment opportunities within the sector (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth). Mr. Cheaz anticipated mobilizing "around 50% of the resources" through active projects and planned initiatives by the end of 2024.A Multifaceted Approach to Sustainable AgricultureA key component of the program is a comprehensive food system assessment. This initiative will require collaboration with the Ministries of Health and Wellness, and Education, due to their critical roles within the broader food system. This collaborative approach strengthens various SDGs.Assistant Director-General Barange, who also leads the FAO's Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, underscored the need for a multifaceted approach to achieving sustainable development in agriculture. This includes exploring innovative techniques like aquaponics farming, optimizing fishing harbor operations, and utilizing sargassum seaweed as a resource.Following a visit to a silage processing facility, Mr. Barange commended Barbados' use of silage as a fertilizer, highlighting its positive impact on crop yields and contribution to overall sustainability through waste reduction. Transforming Waste into ResourcesRecognizing the significant amount of fish waste generated in Barbados (around 3,000 tons annually), the FAO Director advocated for the adoption of circular economy principles. "By repurposing fish waste," Mr. Barange explained, "Barbados can not only mitigate environmental pollution but also foster sustainable practices within the agricultural sector," promoting resource efficiency (SDG 12).The FAO looks forward to finalising agreements that will secure broader program funding. These agreements are seen as crucial for implementing impactful and sustainable agricultural initiatives in Barbados. By working together, the UN and Barbados aim to ensure the continued growth and resilience of the country's agricultural sector, contributing to a more food-secure and sustainable future.
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19 March 2024
Stop Victim Blaming: UN Women Pushes for Fair Reporting of Violence
Roseau Dominica, 07 March 2024: Tonni Brodber, Representative, UN Women Multi-Country Office – Caribbean has stressed that reporting on gender-based violence should not be buying into tropes of gender stereotypes that paint women in the worst versions of Eve and Delilah. She further told communicators there is need to ensure a multiplicity of stories are told and in a way that people can understand the root cause of the issues.Ms. Brodber was addressing the start of a gender sensitive communication workshop funded by the Global Affairs Canada Build Back Equal Project in partnership with the Canada-CARICOM Expert Deployment Mechanism implemented by Catalyse+ with facilitation by Canada’s CUSO International.The UN Women Representative also highlighted to the workshop participants, that there are far too many headlines referring to an adult man and his lover, when referring to a teenager.“A 13-year-old girl should not be reported as an equal lover to a 30- or 27-year-old man. Our legislation says they are not equal”. She added that it is critical ‘to better understand what we mean when we speak about Gender Equality. We are talking about the roles that women play as mothers, as daughters, caretaking for our families…and to explore how can we better support women in all of their roles and men as they engage in their community activities and also take on more responsibilities of care.”Ms. Brodber also said if the “Why” is not communicated when doing the “What”, no one will care and the work will not be sustainable. The UN Women Representative said understanding what a comprehensive approach to resilience, means understanding that a comprehensive approach to economic empowerment is needed and this is what the Build Back Equal Project represents; where resilience is a reality because it is embedded before any hazards occurs.Participants at the Gender Sensitive Communication WorkshopThe Build Back Equal Project is funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented with the Governments of the four beneficiary Caribbean countries: Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, with UN Women as lead agency and UNFPA. On the eve of International Women’s Day, Ms. Brodber stressed Canada’s investments in this region have been in place since the 1980s and UN Women is deeply appreciative of the investment.Abebech Assefa, Canada’s Head of Cooperation for the Eastern Caribbean, speaking on the BBE ProjectCanada’s Head of Cooperation for the Eastern Caribbean Abebech Assefa said:“The Build Back Equal Initiative, implemented by UN Women and UNFPA, is designed to help address some of the key barriers that are preventing women from fully achieving their economic potential. This involves addressing critical access to business training and financing for micro and small women led businesses; addressing un-paid care leave; strengthening access to sexual and reproductive health services etc.”The Global Affairs Canada official also said achieving gender equality requires a concerted effort from everyone and a multi-pronged approach.“One component of this approach is ensuring that we build our capacities to recognize gender biases and to design appropriate responses to address those biases.When working on a particular issue/sector, you hear us talk about achieving gender equality and immediately focus on women and girls. It is not because we believe that gender equality is only about women and girls. It is because for the issues that we are trying to tackle, the analyses have shown that women and girls are lagging and are not having access to the same opportunities or resources as their male counterparts,” Ms. Assefa said.Honourable Dr. Cassandra Williams, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social ServicesThe Honourable Dr. Cassandra Williams, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, with special responsibility for Gender, told the participants that Parliament had last year approved a suite of family model bills aimed at strengthening family structures and establishing mechanisms to support vulnerable individuals within society.The Minister added: “These legislative measures show our dedication to promoting the well-being and safety of all citizens, particularly those facing domestic violence and other forms of gender-based violence.This gender-sensitivity communication training serves as a continuation of our commitment to implementing the laws approved earlier and ensuring that reporting is conducted in a manner that is not only gender-friendly but also aligned with the spirit of the amended laws, particularly the Domestic Violence Act”, the Minister added.
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08 March 2024
Barbados Government and United Nations System in the Caribbean host Annual Coordination Meeting to review achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in the region
BRIDGETOWN, 8 March 2024 – The region’s progress on implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, and the efficacy of the United Nations partnership in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, came under the microscope this week, as regional Governments joined with the United Nations System to assess their joint response to regional development priorities under the current UN Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF).The opportunity came during the Annual Coordination Meeting and meeting of the MSDCF Joint Steering Committee, which is part of the governance mechanism for its implementation, held at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle Resort in Barbados, on March 6 – 7. In his welcome remarks to the Annual Coordination Meeting, UN Resident Coordinator, Didier Trebucq, thanked Government partners for their participation in the meeting convened to facilitate review of their efforts in 2023, the second year of implementation of the regional Cooperation Framework.“Ahead of the 4th SIDS Conference, today is special, a crucial moment to take stock of the progress achieved in year two of the MSDCF, discuss strategies for SDG acceleration and seize the opportunity of what the UN has to offer,” he stated, while noting that despite the ongoing challenges of the past years and the multiple and compound crises facing the region, “our partnership with government remained strong and we were able to support our countries to achieve a number of transformational results.”Mr. Trebucq cited achievements in the areas of advancing the food security agenda, fostering sustainable livelihoods, scaling digital transformation, and enhancing disaster risk reduction, among others under the MSDCF. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Barbados, Dr. the Hon, Shantal Munro-Knight, who co-chaired the MSDCF Joint Steering Committee along with the Resident Coordinator, also reiterated the need to further strengthen and leverage partnerships towards the global goals. She challenged however that the “success of the regional framework has to be judged by the extent that it brings people and communities along, both in terms of benefits and ownership”.“As governments, as partners, we must instil an ethos that the SDGs are not about us as the Government only … this is a shared responsibility. There will be consequences for all of us if we are not able to deliver on the SDGs for our people,” she underlined.Tonni Brodber, UN Women Representative and agency co-chair of the MSDCF Joint Steering Committee also addressed the forum noting “A key comparative advantage of the UN is our combined technical knowledge and know-how across the priorities identified in the Sustainable Development Goals.”The hybrid meeting saw discussions on food systems, data and digitalisation, resilience to climate change equality and shared prosperity and economic resilience, within the context of how the UN can support countries across the region to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, with agreement on strategies for strengthening this mechanism.Interventions from member states addressed whether the Cooperation Framework delivered effective and efficient programming in line with national priorities, as well as gaps and opportunities for SDG acceleration.The Multi Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF) is the most important instrument for planning and implementation of the UN development activities towards the fulfilment of the 2030 Agenda in the Caribbean. The UN and the governments in the region are committing to contribute to significant structural changes in the economies and governance systems of participating countries towards: Economic resilience and shared prosperity; Equality and well-being; Resilience to climate change and shocks, and sustainable natural resource management; and peace, safety, justice, and the rule of law.The Joint Steering Committee comprises ministerial representatives of the 22 country signatories to the Cooperation Framework, as well as representatives from 23 UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes that implement development projects in the region.-END-
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22 April 2024
Secretary-General's Message for the International Mother Earth Day
For information only – not an official documentHumanity is acting like Mother Earth’s delinquent child.We depend on nature for the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the water we drink. Yet, we have brought chaos to the natural world: poisoning our planet with pollution, wiping out species and ecosystems with abandon, and destabilising our climate with greenhouse gas emissions.These actions harm nature, and they harm humanity. We are imperilling food production, polluting our ocean and air, creating a more dangerous, less stable environment, and holding back sustainable development.Together, we must restore harmony with nature, embrace sustainable production and consumption, and protect ourselves from harm – creating jobs, reducing poverty and driving sustainable development as we do so.That means slamming the brakes on biodiversity loss, putting a stop to pollution, and slashing greenhouse gas emissions globally. It means supporting Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and others being hit hardest by the pollution, climate and biodiversity crises. It means delivering climate justice to countries on the frontline of climate chaos, and swiftly mobilising the finance and support countries need to act on climate, protect nature and promote sustainable development.Countries must produce new national climate plans that align with limiting the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius. These can double as national transition plans and national investment plans, underpinning sustainable development for generations to come. And the G20 must lead a fast, fair and funded global phaseout of fossil fuels, and put a stop to nature-wrecking subsidies, such as those that underwrite runaway production of planet-choking plastics.Repairing relations with Mother Earth is the mother of all of humanity’s challenges. We must act – and act now – to create a better future for us all.
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22 April 2024
Critical negotiations on plastic pollution begin in Ottawa, Canada
The world has a once-in-a-generation chance to profoundly change humanity’s relationship with plastic. That is the message from officials ahead of “pivotal” talks next week on a legally binding global instrument to end plastic pollution.Delegates from 174 countries are expected to gather in the Canadian capital of Ottawa for the latest round of discussions on the instrument. The gathering, formally known as the Fourth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-4), will run from April 23 to 29. It is the penultimate meeting before negotiations are expected to conclude later this year. “Both people and planet are suffering profoundly from the effects of plastic pollution,” said Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, Executive Secretary of the INC. “This negotiating session is pivotal. It is an opportunity to make significant progress for a robust agreement that would allow future generations to live in a world free of plastic pollution.” The negotiations come amid what experts have called a mounting plastic crisis. Since the 1950s, 9.2 billion tonnes of plastic have been produced, of which 7 billion tonnes have become waste, filling up landfills and polluting lakes, rivers, the soil and the ocean. Humanity now produces 430 million tonnes of plastic each year, two-thirds of which is contained in short-lived products which soon become waste. Some of that plastic winds up in the food chain, where it has the potential to harm human health. The goal during INC-4 is to advance a draft text of the global instrument so it can be finalized in Busan, Republic of Korea in December. The talks so far have focused on reducing pollution during the entire life-cycle of plastics, from their design to their disposal. The negotiating process was formally launched in 2022 at the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, the world’s top-decision-making body on the environment. It was hailed as a historic moment.After two years of work, the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee has gone from general views to a revised draft text, a development Mathur-Filipp called “a fast result which is a testament to the strong leadership and active engagement to date.” While the timeframe for a final agreement has long been viewed as ambitious, that matches the urgency of the plastic pollution crisis, said Mathur-Filipp. “The science is clear, and the solutions are available to us to end plastic pollution,” she said. “Given that humanity is on track to triple the amount of plastic we produce annually by 2060, it is vital that we continue to make concrete progress and deliver an agreement by the end of this year.” To fight the pervasive impact of pollution on society, UNEP launched #BeatPollution, a strategy for rapid, large-scale and coordinated action against air, land and water pollution. The strategy highlights the impact of pollution on climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and human health. Through science-based messaging, the campaign showcases how transitioning to a pollution-free planet is vital for future generations.
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22 April 2024
Artists, Activists and Ex-Leaders launch unprecedented call for reform of global financial system
80 years ago the institutions that govern the world’s economies were created: the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. In the wake of World War II, they were devised as a means for lasting peace and prosperity but today they are not living up to this ideal. 80 years on, an unprecedented coalition of leading actors, politicians, artists and economists have written to the leaders of these major economies – the G20 – urging them to upgrade the financial system to help solve the debt and climate crises and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Why Now? Building on calls for global public finance reform led by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Kenyan Prime Minister William Ruto, and French President Emmanuel Macron, the letter has been published on the eve of the Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank – which will see decisionmakers gather in Washington DC.As we move into the Second Half of the Global Goals, now is the time for decisive action. Reform of the global financial architecture and the replenishment of these iconic institutions holds the potential to be a game-changer for all the goals – so that by 2030 we see true progress across climate, poverty, gender inequality, and many more of the world’s most pressing issues.What Is the Open Letter Asking For?Backed by ex-world leaders; global artists and activists; the CEOs of major International NGOs Oxfam, Save The Children, Christian Aid, The ONE Campaign, The International Rescue Committee; and many more – the letter has three clear asks: Triple The Investment To achieve the Global Goals and meet the commitments of the Paris Agreement by 2030, it’s estimated that we need to invest at least $5.4 trillion annually. Right now, we’re falling short by about $3 trillion each year.Multilateral development banks play a pivotal role in financing both climate action and broader development initiatives, but they must triple their lending levels by the end of this decade if we are to create a more sustainable and equitable world for all. This includes a tripling of the funding provided by the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) which is one of the largest sources of affordable financing for low-income countries. To find out more about how investing in funds like IDA can deliver smart, long-term wins for all of us, watch this short film.End Crippling DebtThe burden of international debt is severely hampering the progress of developing and emerging economies. Low-income countries in particular find themselves trapped in a cycle of repayments to wealthier countries, the World Bank and the IMF. This puts 60% of low-income countries and at least 25% of middle-income countries at risk of being unable to fulfil their repayment obligations. Currently, low-income countries spend 2.5 times more on debt than on education, 4 times more than on health, 5 times more than on climate change initiatives, and a staggering 11 times more than on social protection. By alleviating debt in these countries, we can empower them to redirect their scarce resources from debt repayments to human development and climate adaptation.Make Polluters PayAddressing climate change and global inequalities requires holding major polluters accountable. The bitter reality is that the wealthiest individuals are significant contributors to global carbon emissions by leading carbon-intensive lifestyles. In 2019, the richest 1% were responsible for as much carbon output as the poorest 66% of the global population.Meanwhile fossil fuel companies, responsible for 70% of global industrial emissions, continue to bring in record profits while benefiting from substantial subsidies. In 2022, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres criticised this imbalance and suggested redirecting these funds to support those most affected by climate change. Making polluters pay would free up vast sums of money needed to achieve the Global Goals. By simply implementing taxes on the wealth and income of the 1% we could generate over $1.7 trillion annually. Take ActionWe want to make sure that the letter reaches as many G20 Leaders as possible! Will you help us? Read and share the full letter, using our simple toolkit, and visitglobalgoals.org/dearG20to take further action with Global Citizen and Oxfam. With your help, we can pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.**This article first appeared on The Global Goals.
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22 April 2024
India-UN Fund: Strengthening Barbados’ Health System in the Transition Period of COVID-19 Recovery
The Barbados Drug Service (BDS) now has the capacity to expand the services it offers the public due to the donation of a refrigerated truck from the Government of India.The vehicle was officially handed over to the Drug Service, yesterday, Monday, April 15, during a brief ceremony held at BDS headquarters in Warrens Towers II, Warrens, St Michael.Speaking to those in attendance, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Wayne Marshall, said that the donation was the final deliverable of the Procurement of Medical Equipment and Supplies for the Benefit of the Government of Barbados Project, which has already seen an injection of 107 pieces of medical equipment valued at just over $1.3 million, and has benefitted medical centres across the island.He shared that the equipment included servers, one handheld spectrometer, vital sign monitors, nebulizers, thermal printers, and a mobile X-ray machine. The project management and procurement services for the project were provided The United Nations Office for Project Services.Marshall said the objective of the project was to provide government, through the India-UN Fund and United Nations Development Programme/United Nations Office for South Cooperation, with medical equipment to strengthen the Barbados health system in the transition period of the COVID-19 recovery.He said: “We are all aware pharmaceuticals are temperature-sensitive and the ability to maintain and monitor specific temperatures is paramount to ensuring the efficacy of the products. The refrigerated truck will, therefore, essentially ensure that the products are transported in a temperature-controlled manner.““In this regard, the vehicle will, therefore, fulfill a critical need that has existed at the BDS for many years and will be utilised every day in the safe delivery of pharmaceuticals to the pharmacies,” he stated. “There are more than 15 pharmacies that are part of the Barbados Drug Service.““Indeed, these strategic partners have collaboratively made a significant contribution to the drug distribution service … and, in so doing, have improved the national health system,“ he added.High Commissioner of India to Barbados, Dr. Shankar Balachandran, said the India-UN fund supports projects across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals.He said developing countries and small island developing states are prioritised for project selection since these nations often face unique development challenges and require targeted support.He professed that this spirit of solidarity could be observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when India was among the first nations to offer small island developing states, including Barbados, essential supplies such as life-saving drugs and protective gear. India donated 100,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Barbados in February 2021.Balachandran added that India’s support went beyond health care, as it had proposed grant funding for five other projects, each valued at US $50,000, and another US $1 million grant for the procurement of machinery to help small and medium-sized enterprises.Acting Director of the Barbados Drug Service, Delores Mascoll, said the BDS had earmarked on the vehicle for several important tasks, which include, but are not limited to, the establishment of a free delivery service to patients who cannot attend the pharmacies; the implementation of a mobile pharmacy education programme, where pharmacists can go into communities that have no clinics to liaise with patients; being a part of medical services offered at sporting and entertainment events; and to package essential medicines in the event of a disaster to take to communities which may be impacted.Source: https://barbados.loopnews.com/content/india-donates-refrigerated-truck-barbados-drug-service** This article first featured on the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC)
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22 April 2024
Indigenous Kalinago lead the way towards making Dominica ‘climate resilient’
Dominica aims to become the world’s first “climate-resilient" nation, and the indigenous Kalinago people are playing a leading role in developing the country and helping its people to thrive in the face of the climate emergency.Dominica, which lies in Eastern Caribbean, is particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events, which are being exacerbated by the climate crisis: Hurricane Maria in 2017 was a devastating example, damaging almost all homes and buildings, destroying around three-quarters of the fishing fleet and crippling the economy.The indigenous Kalinago people were particularly affected but, since then, community leaders have been working with the UN to help its people to become more resilient, in anticipation of the next climate shock.Ahead of the 2024 session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) Conor Lennon from UN News met Sylvanie Burton – who is both the country’s first Kalinago, and also first woman, Head of State – and Lorenzo Sanford, the youngest-ever Chief of the Kalinago community, to find out how they plan to achieve their goal of making the island the world’s first “climate-resilient” nation, and why the young people of the community are central to the resurgence of the indigenous culture on the island.UN News/ Brianna RoweSylvanie Burton (l), Lorenzo Sanford (c), Conor Lennon (r)Lorenzo Sanford: In the past it was always the same people who were elected as chief. I wanted to make a difference, and introduce the views of younger individuals, because our community has many young people, by taking a ground-up approach.UN News: What did the older generations of the Kalinago community think about such a young person being made chief?Sylvanie Burton: The Kalinago population is around 65 per cent young people, so we wanted to give our youth the opportunity to make a difference. We rallied around Lorenzo, which give him the level of authority needed in order to become chief. UN News: What effect did Hurricane Maria have on the Kalinago Territory?Lorenzo Sanford: I was on another part of the island when Maria hit, and I wanted to check on my family. There was no internet, no phone connection, and the roads were blocked, so the only way to return was on foot, using the traditional trails.When I came across the mountains, everything was brown; there was no greenery anymore. All you could see was destroyed homes, and people looking lost, not knowing what to do.Sylvanie Burton: Before Maria arrived, I knew that our island was going to take a direct hit. So, we called an emergency council and decided to go to the homes of the elderly and take them to the shelters. By mid-afternoon most vulnerable people had been taken to safety.And then the tropical storm started coming in. The sea was raging and I could hear the roaring of the wind coming up from the valley. The storm pounded us for hours and hours. I started praying, and even asked God why he was not answering our prayers. I was thankful that I was in a concrete structure, and I could only imagine what was happening to our people living in small wooden houses in the rest of the Kalinago Territory. The next day, after the storm had passed, we thought that the sea was very close to our homes. It wasn’t, but it seemed that way because all of the trees and the houses were gone. It was a very painful experience that you wouldn’t want anyone to go through. It was a miracle that no one in our territory died.UN News/ Brianna RoweTraditional Kalinago building, reinforced by concreteUN News: Before the hurricane most of the buildings were made of wood, but I’ve seen several concrete homes and buildings. Is that construction part of the effort to make Dominica more resilient?Lorenzo Sanford: Yes. In the Kalinago Territory we have a lot of different housing projects going on. We went into the community with the different agencies that were proposing to help, to see how we could make stronger houses, that would still be built in a Kalinago style. We are also building a large multipurpose community shelter, but we want more people to feel safer in their own homes the next time a tropical storm hits. UN News: Access to reliable information is crucial to saving lives. How are you ensuring that as many people as possible have early warnings about extreme weather events?Sylvanie Burton: We’re working to get better information on the climate and get it out to the population before storms hit. We are also creating ICT (information communication technology) hubs across Dominica, where people can access information before the storms, take precautions, and get to a shelter ahead of time. UN News/ Brianna RoweKalinago Territory, DominicaUN News: Raising the finance to deal with the consequences of the climate crisis is an issue for all Small Island Developing States, not just Dominica. You’re not responsible for the crisis, but you’re disproportionately affected by it. Is it getting easier to access the funds you need to adapt?Sylvanie Burton: At the UN climate conferences, we hear the big polluting countries promise to give funds and reduce their own carbon footprint. But these countries need to turn their promises into action. For example, after Hurricane Maria, the UN Secretary-General came to Dominica, and several countries made pledges to help. But many of these pledges were not fulfilled, so we had to take out loans to ensure that we build a climate-resilient country. We are very thankful for the UN organizations that are assisting Dominica, and the countries that are assisting, but it will take a little more. These big countries need to put their money where their mouth is! UN News: The Kalinago have been on this island for more than 500 years. Has that accumulated folk knowledge helped you to adapt to the changing climate?Lorenzo Sanford: I would say that it has helped us to bounce back in in a very fast way. For example, our indigenous practices inform how we plant our food. So, we hope that this knowledge will be passed on to younger generations, so that we can safeguard our future, both within the Kalinago Territory and across the whole island.**This story was first featured on UN News. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
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Press Release
15 April 2024
Nominations open for 2024 Champions of the Earth Award with a focus on land restoration, drought resilience, combating desertification
Nairobi, 15 April 2024 – The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) today launched a call for nominations for the annual Champions of the Earth award – the UN’s highest environmental honour, which recognizes outstanding leaders from government, civil society, and the private sector for their transformative impact on the environment.This year, UNEP encourages nominations of individuals and organizations developing and implementing sustainable policies and solutions to restore land, enhance drought resilience, and combat desertification.Since the award’s inception in 2005, Champions of the Earth has recognized 116 laureates, including 27 world leaders, 70 individuals and 19 organizations. In 2023, UNEP received a record 2,500 nominations for the award.As we approach the halfway mark of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, urgent action is needed to protect and revive ecosystems. Restoration improves livelihoods, reduces poverty, builds resilience to extreme weather and slows the climate crisis. To support the natural world, governments, civil society and the private sector must scale up financing, build capacity and shift behaviours.World Environment Day on 5 June 2024 will focus on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience. The UN Convention to Combat Desertification, marking its thirtieth anniversary this year, will convene its sixteenth Conference of the Parties (COP) in December.Restoring and reviving nature is critical to improving human and planetary health. Leaders from all sectors and regions are actively working to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity and nature loss, and pollution and waste. The Champions of the Earth help lead that push. They remind us that environmental sustainability is key to achieving sustainable development.Individuals, organizations and government entities may be nominated under the categories of Policy Leadership, Inspiration and Action, Entrepreneurial Vision, and Science and Innovation. Nominations are open from 15 April to 5 May 2024 to everyone. The Champions of the Earth will be announced in late 2024.Nominate a Champion of the Earth In 2023, UNEP recognized individuals, organizations and governments implementing innovative solutions and policies to tackle plastic pollution. UNEP’s 2023 Champions of the Earth were:Mayor Josefina Belmonte of Quezon City, Philippines, honoured in the Policy Leadership category, is driving environmental and social action through a raft of policies to combat the climate crisis, end plastic pollution and green the urban enclave. Her initiatives include bans on single-use plastics, a trade-in programme for plastic pollution, refill stations for everyday essentials and advocacy for strong global policymaking on plastics.Ellen MacArthur Foundation (United Kingdom), honoured in the Inspiration and Action category, has played a leading role in mainstreaming a lifecycle approach, including for plastics. The foundation has published reports and established networks of private and public sector decision makers, as well as academia, to develop lifecycle initiatives and solutions to the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, plastic pollution and more. It leads the Global Commitment with UNEP.Blue Circle (China), honoured in the Entrepreneurial Vision category, uses blockchain technology and the internet of things to track and monitor the full lifecycle of plastic pollution – from collection to regeneration, re-manufacturing and re-sale. It has collected over 10,700 tonnes of marine debris, making it China’s largest marine plastic waste programme.José Manuel Moller (Chile), also honoured in the Entrepreneurial Vision category, is the founder of Algramo, a social enterprise dedicated to providing refill services that reduce plastic pollution and lower the costs of everyday essentials. Moller also works to prevent, reduce and sustainably manage waste through his role as Vice Chair of the UN Advisory Board of Eminent Persons on Zero Waste, an initiative set up in March 2023.Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (South Africa), honoured in the Science and Innovation category, uses cutting-edge technology and multidisciplinary research to develop innovations to tackle plastic pollution and other issues. It is a pioneer in identifying sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics, establishing opportunities for local manufacturing and economic development and testing plastic biodegradability.About the UNEP Champions of the Earth
UNEP’s Champions of the Earth honours individuals, groups and organizations whose actions have a transformative impact on the environment. The annual Champions of the Earth award is the UN’s highest environmental honour. #EarthChampsAbout the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. For more information, please contact:
News and Media Unit, UN Environment Programme
UNEP’s Champions of the Earth honours individuals, groups and organizations whose actions have a transformative impact on the environment. The annual Champions of the Earth award is the UN’s highest environmental honour. #EarthChampsAbout the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. For more information, please contact:
News and Media Unit, UN Environment Programme
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Press Release
27 March 2024
Op-ED On Agrifood Systems: A Path to Sustainable Development In Latin America And The Caribbean
Every two years, FAO holds a Regional Ministerial Conference in Latin America and the Caribbean, bringing together its 33 Members in the region to monitor progress and address the challenges towards fighting hunger, poverty, malnutrition, and inequalities, and to achieving the transformation of agrifood systems to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable.In Latin America and the Caribbean, FAO’s agrifood systems approach has been effective in supporting countries in accelerating the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to FAO's latest estimates, the prevalence of undernourishment in the region decreased in 2022 to 6.5 percent, from 7.0 percent in 2021, which means that 2.4 million people are no longer suffering from hunger. However, such progress has occurred in South America (from 7.0 percent to 6.1 percent), while the prevalence of hunger has remained almost the same in Mesoamerica (from 5.0 percent to 5.1 percent). In the Caribbean, undernourishment has risen, from 14.7 percent in 2021 to 16.3 percent in 2022.These statistics only scratch the surface of the current challenges facing agrifood systems in the region, which include the impacts of the climate crisis, economic disparities, and an over-dependence on commodities. Although the region is a net food exporter and responsible for 13 percent of global food production, reliance on commodity imports and exports exposes its agrifood systems to macroeconomic volatility and geopolitical instability, which in turn negatively impact food prices and incomes and lead to unfavourable food security and nutrition outcomes.The 38th FAO Regional Ministerial Conference will be held in the Caribbean nation of Guyana from 18 to 21 March 2024. This conference is a significant opportunity for member countries to enhance their individual and collective innovative thinking and build capacity to adapt to the changing landscape of agrifood systems across the region, and beyond, and be prepared for possible future scenarios.With the engagement of governments and all partners, the conference aims to forge a consensus on tailored action plans for food and agriculture and to uphold the fundamental human right to food in an open, transparent, and inclusive manner.The experience in Latin America and the Caribbean shows that achieving sustainable agrifood systems requires concerted multi-sectoral efforts. Fighting hunger is an act of collective responsibility, and thanks to a thriving regional integration, tangible results have been achieved. FAO continues to work through relevant international and multilateral fora in the region, and beyond, to continue to highlight the food security agenda and accelerate actions to advance the transformation of agrifood systems.Ownership and leadership by FAO Members, and collective efforts by all development partners and stakeholders, are critical. Shared vision, foresight, responsibilities, and implementation arrangements are needed to achieve our goals. I would like to emphasize the significance of collaborations and partnerships across the Latin America and the Caribbean region.In recent years, significant strides have been taken to bring together diverse perspectives and reach a regional consensus that will provide the blueprint for the Organization’s work in the region for the next biennium.FAO is currently implementing around 400 national, sub-regional, and regional projects in Latin America and the Caribbean that have added millions of households to the agrifood value chain.Moreover, there is evidence that FAO's global initiatives, such as the Hand-in-Hand, the 1000 Digital Villages, and the One Country One Priority Product, have positively impacted farmers, especially smallholders, women, youth, Indigenous Peoples and marginalized groups and rural populations.At the Regional Ministerial Conference, FAO will focus on four interconnected regional priorities reflecting the “four betters” set out in the Organization's Strategic Framework 2022-31 - better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. These priorities aim to catalyze the transformation of agrifood systems by enhancing efficiency, inclusivity, and sustainability in production; eradicating hunger and advancing food security and nutrition; promoting the sustainable management of natural resources and adaptation to the climate crisis; and addressing inequalities, poverty, and fostering resilience.The comprehensive Strategic Framework for the next decade provides us with an opportunity to take a wide-ranging look at our agrifood systems, identify areas that need improvement, and take appropriate actions. Members benefit from FAO's technical expertise, assistance, and support through its headquarters, as well as regional, subregional, and country offices, to ensure effective implementation in support of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. My focus is on strengthening FAO’s country offices to maximize their impact on the ground and support the work of Members at the country level.Our main goal for the region remains clear: to improve food production and ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food, while protecting natural resources and reducing inequalities, poverty, and hunger. We must produce more with less. To this end, we need to leverage the potential of cooperation, trade, investment and the utilization of innovation and technology within the region and with other regions.At FAO, we have realigned and refocused our efforts towards supporting Members in accelerating the transformation needed. We have adopted agile operating strategies, offered tailored and timely data and analytical support, enhanced our engagement with governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, and international financial institutions, and have established transformative partnerships with all key players. The reformed and restructured FAO is now better equipped, fit-for-purpose and already working towards this transformation for the benefit of people, planet, and prosperity.
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Press Release
27 March 2024
FAO regional conference: Latin America and the Caribbean chart the way towards sustainable fisheries and aquaculture for food security
March 19, 2024, Georgetown, Guyana –With 85 million people depending on aquatic foods for their livelihoods, these resources are vital to Latin America and the Caribbean's social, economic, and nutritional well-being. However, challenges such as climate change, pollution, and environmental degradation threaten the long-term viability of aquatic food systems, just as the region is at a crucial point on its path to food security and environmental sustainability.This urgency was the focus of the Ministerial Roundtable "Advancing fisheries and aquaculture towards sustainability under the Blue Transformation approach," held within the framework of the 38th FAO Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean, which is taking place these days in Georgetown, Guyana.The Blue Transformation is an approach aimed at redefining our relationship with aquatic foods and proposes a vision of sustainable aquaculture production, effective fisheries management, and improved value chains. The goal is to achieve more equitable, resilient, and sustainable food systems."If implemented sustainably, blue transformation will increase global aquatic food consumption, even as the population grows. But if we do not transform and do not have sustainable practices, we could reduce per capita consumption of this food, putting more pressure on land-based production systems," explained Manuel Barange, FAO Assistant Director-General and Director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division.Ministers, vice ministers, and high authorities from Dominica, Jamaica, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Trinidad, and Tobago shared their countries' experiences. They agreed on the need for a joint effort between governments, private companies, investors, civil society organizations, and other actors to promote innovation in systems, investments, and partnerships."In Panama, a new Fisheries and Aquaculture Law was adopted to encourage fishing, aquaculture, and blue fishing-related activities, ensuring that they are carried out in a sustainable manner, using appropriate methods that ensure the conservation, production, and marketing of these products, within an activity that benefits current and future generations," said Panama's Minister of Agricultural Development, Augusto Valderrama. Trinidad and Tobago's Minister of Agriculture, Lands, and Fisheries, Avinash Singh, said that "in the pursuit of sustainable management and development of our fisheries resources in Trinidad and Tobago, we are fortunate to collaborate with FAO in many areas of mutual interest, some of which include improving capacity for the adoption and implementation of the ecosystem approach to fisheries.Meanwhile, Jamaica's Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, Floyd Green, argued that priority must be given to diversifying the livelihoods of small-scale fishers and fish farmers. "It is the only thing that can be done to reduce overfishing and support ecosystem management efforts throughout the region."The blue economy is one of Dominica's pillars of economic growth, said Roland Royer, the country's Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries."Collectively, we call on islands in the region to promote the sustainable use of marine resources in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 14 and 15. We endorse the regional protocol on the CARICOM Common Fisheries Policy for the sustainable use of living marine resources for blue economic growth and sustainable development, but much more is needed to boost the blue economy in the region."Vice Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture of Peru, Úrsula Desilú, said that her country "will continue with the implementation of actions that contribute to improving the sustainability of hydrobiological resources and will continue to face all upcoming challenges through innovative and beneficial means for our economic agents."The discussion document "Moving Towards the Sustainability of Fisheries and Aquaculture under the Blue Transformation Approach" was presented during the meeting. This document provides a clear and concise roadmap to guide implementation efforts aligned with FAO's Strategic Framework 2022-31.
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Press Release
27 March 2024
Haiti: Escalating violence and economic shocks compound hunger crisis
25 March 2024, Port-au-Prince/Santiago de Chile – Haiti is in the grip of a worsening humanitarian crisis, with nearly half of the population likely facing acute food insecurity, according to the latest Integrated Food Security Classification (IPC) analysis (IPC) . The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) warns of dire consequences unless urgent action is taken to address the root causes of this crisis.Around 4.97 million people are experiencing or will likely experience high levels of acute food insecurity between March and June 2024. Of these, 1.64 million people (17 percent of the analyzed population) are classified in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency), who are mostly concentrated in eight areas including the Artibonite valley, rural areas of La Grand’Anse, La Gonâve, the transverse part of the West and impoverished neighbourhoods Cité Soleil, Croix de Bouquets and Port-au-Prince. These figures show a stark deterioration of food security in Haiti, with 532,000 additional people experiencing acute food insecurity compared to previous estimates for the same period.The hunger crisis is fueled by a myriad of factors, including escalating armed gang violence, economic shocks, low agricultural yields, below-average rainfall, the lingering impacts of the August 2021 earthquake along with successive floods and reduced access to humanitarian aid.Violence perpetrated by armed groups has intensified in recent months, resulting in the internal displacement of approximately 362,000 people, including 50,000 displaced within the last three months, according to International Organization for Migration (IOM).This escalation in violence not only disrupts the circulation of goods and restricts access to markets but also inflates the prices of essential food items in an already fragile context. El Niño has compounded agricultural challenges, particularly affecting crop producers.Delays in the rainy season and rainfall deficits have significantly impacted the outcome of the 2023 spring season, typically representing half of the national agricultural production. Heavy rains and severe flooding in mid-November 2023 have damaged crops, homes and infrastructure. Local agricultural production deficits and market supply chain dysfunction have kept food prices high, hindering access to food. In 2023, agricultural production plummeted by around 39% for maize, 34% for rice and 22% for sorghum compared to the five-year average.Agriculture stands as a vital lifeline for Haitians, with over 75% of the most food-insecure people residing in rural areas. Urgent support is needed to boost agricultural and livestock production, ensuring the availability of and access to food for vulnerable farming families and communities.The Ministers and Vice-ministers of Latin America and the Caribbean, assembled at the38th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean, held in the city ofGeorgetown, Guyana from 18 to 21 March, addressed Haiti´s situation and included a specific resolution on this topic: “We expressed solidarity with the Republic of Haiti for the deteriorating humanitarian situation that compromises the food security and nutrition, as well as the livelihoods of its population.”FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mario Lubetkin, said “We are consistent with the countries' demands regarding the priority we should give to Haiti´s critical situation”.FAO, with its local offices and teams actively present in the field, continues to closely monitor the situation and deliver essential agricultural support for the upcoming planting seasons. FAO is also ready to provide vulnerable populations, both displaced and residents, in urban and peri-urban areas of Port au Prince with critical assistance (i.e. cash transfers along with vegetable seeds and tools) to meet their basic needs and restore their agricultural livelihoods.Archive photographs:Photo 1Photo 2
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Press Release
13 March 2024
PAHO Equips Six Caribbean Countries in Drafting Legislation to Tackle Two Public Health Issues
Bridgetown, Barbados, 12 March 2024 (PAHO/WHO) - The Pan American Health Organization recently convened a four-day workshop in Barbados for public health and legal experts from six Caribbean countries. The focus was on legislation and the legal drafting of regulatory tools aimed at eliminating industrially produced trans fatty acids (iTFA) and implementing sodium reduction targets for packaged foods.Excessive consumption of sodium and trans-fats ranks among the leading causes of death worldwide, contributing significantly to the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases, which are among the top causes of mortality. The elimination of trans-fats could save an estimated 17.5 million lives globally by 2040. Reducing dietary sodium has been identified as an effective and cost-efficient way to save lives; for every US$ 1 invested in scaling up sodium reduction interventions, there will be a return of at least US$ 12. While speaking at the start of the meeting in Barbados, the Director of the PAHO/WHO Subregional Program Coordination, Caribbean office, Dean Chambliss, noted that the potential gains are clear but there is an urgent need to adopt cost-effective measures. “The Caribbean Community has taken steps, aiming for a 0% legal limit of industrially produced trans fatty acids in our food supply… Considering that over 40% of the world's population has already put in place trans fatty acids limits, and with the availability of healthier, commercially competitive alternatives, it is imperative that the Caribbean aligns swiftly to eliminate trans-fatty acids,” he said. The Global Action Plan on NCDs aims to cut sodium intake by 30% and eliminate industrially produced trans fatty acids by 2025. The PAHO Subregional Director emphasised this could only be achieved through collaboration.In his remarks, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Hon Davidson Ishmael, underlined that the Barbados Government considers the drafting of regulatory tools for Industrially Produced Trans-Fatty Acids Elimination and Sodium Reduction of the utmost importance to improving health outcomes in an equitable way.“In alignment with PAHO and WHO guidelines, Barbados has resolved to eliminate industrially produced trans-fats from our food environment … Barbados remains steadfast in its commitment to removing Industrially Produced Trans-Fatty Acids from our local food supply by December 2024. We have engaged with both government and non-government stakeholders, including industry representatives, to ensure compliance and to establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms post-2024,” Mr Ishmael noted.The Minister of State also pledged to pilot and champion initiatives aimed at improving the overall food environment. This commitment includes the implementation of the Barbados School Nutrition Policy and the National Nutrition Policy, the introduction of taxation on sugar-sweetened beverages, and advocating for octagonal front-of-package warning labels.
PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, Dr Amalia Del Riego, described legislation and regulations as some of the most powerful tools in public health. “We know that they are effective, and that they have worked on many fronts. Therefore, in the comprehensive approach to NCDs we must continue making the efforts to enforce legislation that will address the determinants and risk factors of health. It will not be smooth sailing because we know the challenges in dealing with industry interests as they may not always be aligned with the greater good, the health of the people,” Dr Del Riego remarked.A recently produced study on the economic impact of eliminating industrially produced trans-fatty acids in Barbados was also shared with participants. Produced by PAHO, the University of the West Indies’ George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre, the Caribbean Institute for Health Research, the Barbados Statistical Service and other regional partners, the report compared the 2019 consumption of Partially Hydrogenated Oil (PHOs) in Barbados with a counterfactual scenario in which PHOs were eliminated from the food supply. The study estimated that nine cardiovascular disease-related deaths are associated with not having a policy in place to ban PHOs from the food supply. Additionally, a national ban on the production or use of PHOs as an ingredient in all foods in 2019 would save more than half a million US Dollars ($546 246) in future productivity losses.
The workshop was organised in collaboration with the Caribbean Public Health Agency, the Healthy Caribbean Coalition, the University of the West Indies Faculty of Law at Cave Hill and Resolve to Save Lives. Six countries were represented at the meeting: Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Jamaica, Saint Lucia and Suriname.
END CONTACT: Lisa Bayley - bayleylis@paho.org, PAHO/WHO Office of the Subregional Program Coordination (Caribbean) About the Pan American Health Organisation: The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) works with the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of its population. Founded in 1902, it is the world’s oldest international public health agency. It serves as the Regional Office of WHO for the Americas and is the specialized health agency of the Inter-American system. The PAHO Subregional Program is responsible for providing subregional technical cooperation and to strengthen PAHO’s engagement with the Caribbean Subregional integration mechanisms, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and its various bodies and organs; and to build synergistic partnerships with the West Indies (UWI), among others. PAHO’s subregional technical cooperation specifically focuses on public health issues which would benefit from economies of scale and for which agreement on proposed collective responses and actions would produce a far greater impact rather than individual country responses. The Subregional Program also plays a role in coordinating among the different PAHO country offices.
PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, Dr Amalia Del Riego, described legislation and regulations as some of the most powerful tools in public health. “We know that they are effective, and that they have worked on many fronts. Therefore, in the comprehensive approach to NCDs we must continue making the efforts to enforce legislation that will address the determinants and risk factors of health. It will not be smooth sailing because we know the challenges in dealing with industry interests as they may not always be aligned with the greater good, the health of the people,” Dr Del Riego remarked.A recently produced study on the economic impact of eliminating industrially produced trans-fatty acids in Barbados was also shared with participants. Produced by PAHO, the University of the West Indies’ George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre, the Caribbean Institute for Health Research, the Barbados Statistical Service and other regional partners, the report compared the 2019 consumption of Partially Hydrogenated Oil (PHOs) in Barbados with a counterfactual scenario in which PHOs were eliminated from the food supply. The study estimated that nine cardiovascular disease-related deaths are associated with not having a policy in place to ban PHOs from the food supply. Additionally, a national ban on the production or use of PHOs as an ingredient in all foods in 2019 would save more than half a million US Dollars ($546 246) in future productivity losses.
The workshop was organised in collaboration with the Caribbean Public Health Agency, the Healthy Caribbean Coalition, the University of the West Indies Faculty of Law at Cave Hill and Resolve to Save Lives. Six countries were represented at the meeting: Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Jamaica, Saint Lucia and Suriname.
END CONTACT: Lisa Bayley - bayleylis@paho.org, PAHO/WHO Office of the Subregional Program Coordination (Caribbean) About the Pan American Health Organisation: The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) works with the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of its population. Founded in 1902, it is the world’s oldest international public health agency. It serves as the Regional Office of WHO for the Americas and is the specialized health agency of the Inter-American system. The PAHO Subregional Program is responsible for providing subregional technical cooperation and to strengthen PAHO’s engagement with the Caribbean Subregional integration mechanisms, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and its various bodies and organs; and to build synergistic partnerships with the West Indies (UWI), among others. PAHO’s subregional technical cooperation specifically focuses on public health issues which would benefit from economies of scale and for which agreement on proposed collective responses and actions would produce a far greater impact rather than individual country responses. The Subregional Program also plays a role in coordinating among the different PAHO country offices.
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