Jamaicans dying younger
May 3, 2023
Health Ministry to tackle lost life years with prevention campaign
KINGSTON, Jamaica. Wednesday, May 3, 2023: Too many Jamaicans are dying young. This was among the revelations made in Parliament today, during the Sectoral presentation by the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton.
According to findings analysed through the Ministry’s Surveillance Unit, the probability of premature death for Jamaicans aged 30 to 70 years from cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease increased by 24% from 17% in 2009 to 21% in 2020.
Noting the country’s significant disease burden of diabetes, stroke, hypertension and cancers as among the leading causes of death, Dr. Tufton signalled the Ministry’s intent to bolster its prevention efforts.
“To address this premature mortality, we are adopting a Life Stage approach to Health Promotion and Prevention to impact personal and collective healthcare. From as early as conception, expectant mother and child must be given guidance around best practices for pre- and post-natal care. Through the various stages of growth and development, the health system must facilitate persons making informed choices about their health,” Dr. Tufton said.
The Ministry’s primary health care model, tabled in Parliament last year, will support improvement in lifestyle practices. The overall goal is to reduce premature mortality, and improve the health outcomes of Jamaicans.
“Community interventions are critical; taking healthcare services to the people is necessary to guide behaviour and support healthy lifestyle practices from the very early stages of development. This is particularly more important because, as indicated, our disease profile is populated with preventable illnesses and premature death,” highlighted Dr. Tufton.
The Ministry will channel its prevention messaging and activities through the ‘Know Your Numbers’ campaign (#KnowYourNumbers) which targets 500,000 screening tests to be carried out this year.
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