Government of Saint Lucia

Theme: “Measure your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”

Friday May 17th, 2024, is World Hypertension Day. This is a day to raise awareness on Hypertension also known as high blood pressure which affects many individuals, families and communities. The World Health Organization reports that an estimated 1.28 billion individuals aged 30 to 79 years have hypertension and approximately 46% are unaware that they have the condition. Less than half, that is 42% with the disease are diagnosed and treated. In 2019, our STEPS survey results estimated that approximately 2 out of 5 Saint Lucians, have hypertension.

Hypertension is called the silent killer, because people who have high blood pressure usually do not have symptoms of the condition. Unfortunately, over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure causes serious damage to vital organs like the heart and the kidney.

In St Lucia, about 40% of people with hypertension, have their condition under control This is concerning since uncontrolled hypertension is the most common preventable cause of strokes and heart attacks which are the second and third leading causes of death respectively, in St Lucia.

This year’s theme is “Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer.”

Since high blood pressure does not usually cause symptoms, Let us all measure our blood pressure regularly at home or at our health care providers, including at health care facilities, where accurate or validated blood pressure monitors are available.

Controlled hypertension results in significantly fewer strokes, heart attacks, disabilities and deaths from these health conditions.

High blood pressure can be controlled by various methods including lifestyle or behaviour changes and the use and adherence to prescribed medicines called antihypertensives. Antihypertensive medicines are proven to be very effective in lowering blood pressure and preventing complications and deaths.

From August 1st, 2023, patients can access antihypertensive medicines available at the wellness centers free of charge. Additionally, through the Performance Based Financing Project, lab tests are also

provided at no cost at select wellness centres. The Government of St Lucia is working through the Universal Health Coverage Programme to make available free laboratory testing for all hypertensives and diabetics at all wellness centres.

Taking control of hypertension is another step in taking control of your life. Make a choice to take control. Make a choice to live longer. Visit your health care provider or your nearest wellness center for blood pressure measurements.

Make a choice and start by knowing what the numbers are. Measure blood pressure. Measure accurately. Call the Bureau of Standards for help with choosing the right blood pressure monitor. Use the appropriate methods to measure blood pressure. In addition, pay special attention to other measures that control blood pressure and overall well-being. Seek nutritional counselling, get adequate exercise and rest and stay hydrated among other things.

By taking control of your blood pressure, you're not just adding years to your life but also adding life to your years.

Again, measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer. Happy World Hypertension Day.

Theme: “Measure your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”

Friday May 17th, 2024, is World Hypertension Day. This is a day to raise awareness on Hypertension also known as high blood pressure which affects many individuals, families and communities. The World Health Organization reports that an estimated 1.28 billion individuals aged 30 to 79 years have hypertension and approximately 46% are unaware that they have the condition. Less than half, that is 42% with the disease are diagnosed and treated. In 2019, our STEPS survey results estimated that approximately 2 out of 5 Saint Lucians, have hypertension.

Hypertension is called the silent killer, because people who have high blood pressure usually do not have symptoms of the condition. Unfortunately, over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure causes serious damage to vital organs like the heart and the kidney.

In St Lucia, about 40% of people with hypertension, have their condition under control This is concerning since uncontrolled hypertension is the most common preventable cause of strokes and heart attacks which are the second and third leading causes of death respectively, in St Lucia.

This year’s theme is “Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer.”

Since high blood pressure does not usually cause symptoms, Let us all measure our blood pressure regularly at home or at our health care providers, including at health care facilities, where accurate or validated blood pressure monitors are available.

Controlled hypertension results in significantly fewer strokes, heart attacks, disabilities and deaths from these health conditions.

High blood pressure can be controlled by various methods including lifestyle or behaviour changes and the use and adherence to prescribed medicines called antihypertensives. Antihypertensive medicines are proven to be very effective in lowering blood pressure and preventing complications and deaths.

From August 1st, 2023, patients can access antihypertensive medicines available at the wellness centers free of charge. Additionally, through the Performance Based Financing Project, lab tests are also

provided at no cost at select wellness centres. The Government of St Lucia is working through the Universal Health Coverage Programme to make available free laboratory testing for all hypertensives and diabetics at all wellness centres.

Taking control of hypertension is another step in taking control of your life. Make a choice to take control. Make a choice to live longer. Visit your health care provider or your nearest wellness center for blood pressure measurements.

Make a choice and start by knowing what the numbers are. Measure blood pressure. Measure accurately. Call the Bureau of Standards for help with choosing the right blood pressure monitor. Use the appropriate methods to measure blood pressure. In addition, pay special attention to other measures that control blood pressure and overall well-being. Seek nutritional counselling, get adequate exercise and rest and stay hydrated among other things.

By taking control of your blood pressure, you're not just adding years to your life but also adding life to your years.

Again, measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer. Happy World Hypertension Day.

A challenge to develop innovative answers to issues of climate change through coding has resulted in three teams ascending to the winner’s circle. Billed as a vehicle to inspire youth to embrace unconventional solutions to real world issues, the Coding Competition for Climate Change is expected to be a catalyst for positive change.

In excess of 2000 students have begun the final leg of the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA). Over a two-day period, students will undertake examinations which will determine the path of their transition to secondary schools across the island.

In the headlines: An ambitious Housing Development Program is set to begin this financial year and; The Minister for Youth Development and Sports speaks to the Cricket World Cup.

For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In the headlines: The Ministry of Equity, realigns and strengthens the Public Assistance Programme and; Reading month is upon us..

For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

To address the root cause of poverty and uplift vulnerable communities across Saint Lucia, the transformative Koudmen Sent Lisi Programme will be relaunched by the SSDF to reflect the diverse range of interventions relying on an integrated service delivery model among select stakeholders.

The proposed new approach will aim to support families out of poverty through various strategic pathways.

As part of his presentation of the 2024-2025 Budget Debate, Minister for Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment Hon. Joachim Henry outlined the fundamental principles of the Koudmen Sent Lisi Programme, emphasizing its departure from traditional silo approaches towards a more comprehensive strategy.

"One of the initiatives conceptualized for graduating households from the Public Assistance Programme is the Koudmen Sent Lisi Program. The program is a timely paradigm shift away from a silo approach to poverty reduction by embracing a multi-sectorial approach. "

This innovative initiative, spearheaded by the Equity Ministry, will revolutionize addressing poverty by adopting a multi-sectorial targeting methodology.

"It will focus on empowering families and escaping poverty and deprivation by facilitating access to income, employment, housing, health, education, family counseling, and networks that fortify family assets."

The Koudmen Sent Lisi Programme has emerged as a beacon of hope in Saint Lucia's relentless pursuit of poverty reduction, signaling a groundbreaking shift towards a more inclusive and comprehensive empowerment tool.

In the headlines: The Honorable Alva Baptiste speaks to the government's economic policies outlined in the 2024/2025 budget and; Saint Lucia is presently on course to being a member of ALBA.

For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In the headlines: The Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment continue to facilitate partnerships that touch lives and; The Rodney Bay City Centre sod turning takes place.

For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc

In the headlines: The Republic of China (Taiwan) aids in funding the development of local communities and; The ‘Specialized Programs and Opportunities Relating to Technical Skills’ initiative gears up to fuel the dreams of nationals, through education.

For details on these developments and more, visit: www.govt.lc