Barbados Today

Three organizations have teamed up to raise awareness of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP) yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding with the Barbados Diabetes Foundation and Heart & Stroke Foundation at the Maria Holder Diabetes Centre for the Caribbean.

BARP president Edward Bushell said this united approach would further sensitize Barbadians, especially its 43,000 members, of management programmes in the screening and monitoring of NCDs.

These sentiments were echoed by chairman of the Barbados Diabetes Foundation Dr Oscar Jordan; Dr Elizabeth Ferdinand, chairperson of BARP’s health committee; CEO of the Heart & Stroke Foundation Gina Pitts and senior medical officer in the Ministry of Health Dr Kenneth George.

Bushell explained that 66 per cent of BARP members are still in the workforce, making a significant contribution to the economy.

Dr Jordan noted this collaboration would improve the health of not only BARP members, but the country.

BARP’s vice president Dame Billie Miller strongly emphasized the importance of public education programmes targeting the home, as well as kindergarten and primary schools, noting that self-care should be “our first individual personal responsibility”.

BARP will continue its public education and awareness in upcoming activities recognizing World Salt Awareness Week from March 16 to 22 under the theme Healthy Start for Children.