Last Updated on July 18, 2026, 3:44 AM AST by Anthony Morris
The Ministry of Health hosted an Internal Review Workshop on 16 July 2026 to start a plan of action to deal with NCDs. The officials have shared that the workshop aimed to develop a National Multi-Sectoral Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) 2025–2029.
The officials have shared that the Ministry of Health collaborated with the Pan American Health Organisation for the workshop. The officials have shared that the internal review workshop was attended by officers from the St Kitts as well as Nevis Health Ministries.
The aim of the workshop is to have the experts of the healthcare sector critically review the draft Plan. During the workshop, they can identify areas for improvement, and strengthen the Federation’s response to non-communicable diseases.
The officials have shared that the response will be constructed over the next five years.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Curtis Martin delivered the opening address for the workshop. He highlighted the importance of communicating the purpose behind public health initiatives.
He told the participants that “Whenever the why is explained, the how becomes easier,” to punctuate his point. The official shared that people are more likely to support and participate in health initiatives when they understand the purpose behind them.
As such, Dr Martin urged the participants to keep this principle at the forefront as they refine strategies that require collaboration across sectors and communities.
PAHO Country Programme Specialist, Katrina Smith was also present at the workshop. She talked to the participants about the critical role of leadership within the health sector. She encouraged health professionals to not only educate the public about healthy lifestyles but also to inculcate in their own lives the behaviour they promote.
“As health professionals, we must practice what we preach. When the public sees us making healthy choices ourselves, our messages become more credible and influential.”
Nadine Carty, Coordinator of the Health Promotion and HIV/AIDS Unit in Nevis, and Latoya Matthew-Duncan, Acting Coordinator of the Health Promotion Unit, St. Kitts collectively led the technical discussions and plenary sessions
Officers from the Ministries conducted breakout group discussions. They guided participants through detailed reviews of the draft Plan and captured recommendations for strengthening the final document.
Participants actively examined the burden of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors. Afterwards, the experts also looked into the proposed strategic objectives and interventions, reviewed governance and implementation mechanisms.
The experts from both the islands came together to discuss resource mobilization. They evaluated the monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure measurable and achievable outcomes.
The Ministry of Health thanked the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for its continued technical guidance and partnership and thanks all Ministry officers and facilitators whose expertise and active participation contributed to the success of the workshop.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
