On 25th September, world leaders gathered at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the 4th UN High-Level Meeting (HLM) on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
This meeting brought together Heads of State and government ministers to review progress and renew commitments to tackling the world’s leading causes of death and disability. It is one of the most significant political moments in the global NCD calendar, shaping international action on conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and mental health.
St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Represents CARICOM on the Global Stage
Lake Health and Wellbeing congratulates Hon Dr Terrance Drew on his participation in the HLM. Representing CARICOM, the Prime Minister highlighted both the progress the region has made in preventing and controlling NCDs and the unique challenges faced by small island states.
We commend his advocacy for evidence-based solutions, his recognition of the critical role civil society organisations play, and his acknowledgement of regional organisations such as the Healthy Caribbean Coalition.
We were especially encouraged by the Prime Minister’s call for:
- Dedicated global financing for NCDs
- Equitable access to essential medicines and technologies
- Recognition that NCDs and climate change are interconnected emergencies
We also welcome the Prime Minister’s support for a more ambitious Political Declaration emerging from the meeting, one that includes bold targets reflective of the urgency of the global NCD crisis.
Opportunity for National Progress
At the national level, we stand ready to work with the Ministry of Health to support the implementation of the Declaration here in St Kitts and Nevis. As a first step, we strongly encourage the re-establishment of a fully resourced National NCD Commission.
A National NCD Commission, recommended in the 2007 Port of Spain Declaration, would provide the multi-stakeholder leadership needed to drive a whole-of-society approach to NCD prevention.
The achievements of NCD Commissions in The Bahamas and Barbados demonstrate what is possible:
- The Bahamas NCD Commission recently launched its comprehensive Health Promotion and Wellness Act, 2025
- The Barbados NCD Commission has helped advance major public health legislation, including
- Banning smoking in public places
- Prohibiting tobacco sales to minors
- Championing food policy reforms such as SSB and salt taxes
- Supporting the implementation of the Barbados National School Nutrition Policy
These examples showcase the transformative impact of a well-resourced, well-supported Commission.
We also encourage renewed movement on several national policies and legislation that are already nearing completion:
- Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Policy
- Tobacco Control Legislation
- Infant and Young Child Feeding Policy
These policies represent achievable, public health wins that would significantly strengthen the national response to NCDs.
Finally, we draw attention to the domestic NCD commitments recommended at the 47th Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) in 2024, where CARICOM Member States were urged to:
“Explore the formulation and enactment of legislation of priority policies, including healthy food policies; the elimination of iTFA; tobacco-free environments; the elimination of cervical cancer; strengthening of primary health care and health systems; and enhanced public health governance through the management of the commercial determinants of health and conflicts of interest in public health policymaking.”
These recommendations are fully aligned with the direction needed to accelerate NCD prevention and control.
Final Thoughts
Once again, we extend our sincere congratulations to the Prime Minister for his leadership at the 4th UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs. Lake Health and Wellbeing looks forward to continued collaboration with the Ministry of Health and all stakeholders as we work to translate the Political Declaration into meaningful, measurable action for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.
