Saint Lucia hosts Diabetes Health Fair in Castries

Castries, Saint Lucia: Saint Lucia hosted “All Things Diabetes” health fair on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at the Constitution Park in Castries.

Notably, fourteen participating companies showcased a wide variety of food and other health-related items and information. The event was a collaborative effort by the following,

– Taiwan ICDF

– Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs

– Cathay General Hospital

– Saint Lucia Diabetes and Hypertension Association (SLDHA)

Sponsors who visited the booths benefited from the cooking demonstrations, free samples and free screenings. They have been given a chance to win prizes by answering simple questions related to diabetes.

It is to be noted that this year’s World Diabetes Day was observed on November 14, is “Know Your Risk, Know Your Response.”

The organizers hope that recent partnerships and investments can lead to a better quality of life for the natives.

Edison Hsu Remarks

Mr Edison Hsu, serving as the First Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of China Taiwan, extended his gratitude and support to the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs as the event looked to raise awareness about diabetes among the citizens.

He further stated that these collaborative efforts could make life easier for citizens by promoting good health.

It is to be added in the remarks of Hsu that this issue needs to be dealt with a holistic approach, as NCDs have jeopardized the livelihoods and health of Saint Lucians. As a matter of concern, Taiwan and Saint Lucia have established an alliance in the health and medical sector.

“AS we all recognize that NCDs (non-communicable diseases) have endangered Saint Lucia’s livelihoods and health, it is essential to address this issue with a holistic approach. International cooperation is much more needed than ever at this critical juncture. Taiwan and Saint Lucia have forged a strong partnership in the healthcare and medical sector,” Hsu commented.

Objective of project

This public health project emphasized enhancing Saint Lucia’s healthcare system. Notably, the four-year project was introduced in response to the challenges settled by NCDs, which includes the training of local policy-level officials and seed instructors in Taiwan.

Moses Jn Baptiste comments

Moses Jn Baptiste, Minister for Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, considered figures from the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF), which designated that approx. Five hundred thirty-seven million people across the world have diabetes.

However, only a few of them are aware of diabetes, which becomes a risk factor for the continued rise of this issue. “Unfortunately, only half of those persons are aware that they are diabetic and, sadly, this figure is projected to rise as a risk factor such as obesity and physical inactivity continue to rise”, he added.

Saint Lucia and Taiwan’s collaboration basically exemplifies the spirit of international cooperation in addressing this pressing health issue called diabetes. It is a global challenge, and through these initiatives, both nations are able to address it.