As part of the Global Week for Action on NCDs 2025, Lake Health and Wellbeing, through its St. Kitts and Nevis NCD Alliance initiative, joined the global NCD Alliance’s call for leadership in addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) under the theme “Time to Lead.” Our local campaign engaged policymakers, civil society, advocates, and the wider community to amplify voices, highlight lived experiences, and inspire stronger action on NCDs in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Campaign Highlights
Social Media Campaign
We organised a social media campaign to showcase solidarity around NCDs. Policymakers, NGOs, and advocates shared how they are leading on NCDs or the kind of leadership they would like to see. Participants included:
- The Ministers of Health in St. Kitts and Nevis
- The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health
- Director of the Nevis Department of Gender Affairs and the Coordinator of the Nevis Health Promotion Unit
- NGOs, including the Diabetes Association, Mental Health Association, and Nevis Renal Society
- Young people, a doctor, and a climate and health advocate
11 policymakers, NGOs and advocates participated, and this wide cross-section of voices helped demonstrate a shared national commitment to tackling NCDs.
Sharing Lived Experiences
We featured seven experiences from people living with NCDs. Participants spoke candidly, both anonymously and openly, about the challenges of their conditions. These stories helped to humanise the NCD crisis, creating empathy and understanding in our community.
Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion
We hosted a public screening of the Jamaica Ministry of Health and Wellness’ documentary Dying Young: Lifestyle Choices and the NCDs Crisis at NEPAC, followed by a panel discussion. This event provided a platform for open dialogue on NCDs, their impact, and the steps our community can take to address them.
Speakers included:
- Glenville Liburd – Founder, Nevis Renal Society & Nevis CBR Advocates
- Genesia Pemberton – Nutrition Officer, Nevis Health Promotion Unit and Youth Health Advocate
- McMillian Cuffy – Senior Counsellor, the Behavioural Health And Wellness Centre
- Michelle Sutton – Health Educator, Nevis Health Promotion Unit
- Dr. Cannonier – District Medical Officer
The event was moderated by Jay Robinson, Project Assistant, Lake Health and Wellbeing, with opening remarks by Latoya Matthew-Duncan, NCD Focal Point and Nutrition Surveillance Coordinator at the Ministry of Health.
Media Coverage and Global Visibility
Our activities received local and international attention. We were interviewed by SKN Newsline and ZIZ. In addition, our campaign was highlighted twice in the NCD Alliance’s newsletter, showcasing St. Kitts and Nevis’ efforts on an international stage.
NCD Champions
As part of the global campaign, Hon. Dr Terrance Drew and Hon. Jahnel Nisbett agreed to act as NCD Champions.
Hon. Jahnel Nisbett was featured on the NCD Alliance’s ‘Voices of the Health Revolution’ podcast, where she highlighted the Nevis Island Administration’s efforts in advancing NCD prevention and care. The episode can be accessed below
In addition, Hon. Nisbett recorded a video message for the global campaign, showcasing how the Nevis Island Administration is leading on NCDs. This video can be viewed below
Conclusion
Through these initiatives, the St. Kitts and Nevis NCD Alliance reaffirmed its commitment to leadership, advocacy, and tangible action in the fight against NCDs. We hope to drive change and create a healthier future for our communities.
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