The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has the highest prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the region of the Americas.
This due in large part to Primary Health Care (PHC) programme successes in preventing and controlling communicable diseases, aging
of the population, economic development and unhealthy behaviours.
Global and local influences have shaped consumption lifestyles which have fueled the epidemiological transition in the Caribbean, so
that NCDs are now the leading cause of premature loss of life, lost productivity and spiraling health care costs.
In response to the growing NCD burden, the Caribbean held a first of its kind summit of Heads of Government to address the subject which
produced the 2007 Port of Spain Declaration “Uniting to Stop the Epidemic of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases”.
The declaration represents a mandate from the highest political level to develop and implement effective multisectoral policies and programs to combat NCDs.
Consistent with the region’s history of functional cooperation in health, this document proposes a model for CARICOM countries to utilize in addressing NCDs using comprehensive,
collaborative and integrated approaches. This model is based on “The Expanded Chronic Care Model: Integrating Population Health Promotion”, and should form the basis for the region to reduce the tide of NCDs through appropriate, relevant and feasible community-, patient- and health system-level actions.
Community_ Empowered participation provides communities a voice in health care decisionmaking.
This is expected to enhance uptake and compliance thus supporting and sustaining profamily and community health policies and programs.
Patient:
Patient-centeredness places the needs of the person and the family at the center of care decisions and supports patients in their communities.
Health Care System_ A responsive health system is better able to address the priority needs of patients and communities. Attributes include seamless access to comprehensive and high quality services close to where people live and work; care-providers functioning in coordinated multi-disciplinary teams; policies and programs aligned to priority needs; emphasis on prevention and health promotion; and the use of evidence-based treatment. These characteristics define a primary health care-based system, the most cost-effective approach to achieving substantial improvements in the care of patients living with chronic conditions.
