December 4 - December 16 2013

HCC Feature

Situational Analysis of Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control in the Caribbean

This report, prepared by PAHO in collaboration with the Healthy Caribbean Coalition, summarizes the results of a recent assessment of non-Latin Caribbean country policies and services for cervical cancer prevention and control. It is intended to provide a snapshot of the currently available services and capacity, and to serve as a reference for program strengthening.

The report reflects the contributions of the Caribbean Cancer Alliance in advance of the HCC March 2013 workshop in St Maarten, This is a tremendous accomplishment and the CCA should be proud of their contribution to this important regional document. Furthermore, this initiative is highly collaborative, and in many respects, a unique effort undertaken by PAHO. The contribution and partnership of CSO in this process underscores the value of community based research and the resulting positive outcomes on various levels including building partnerships, creating an appreciation/ understanding of evidence-based decision-making, gaining buy-in and creating a sense of ownership from the outset. Read more

HCC Welcomes New Member - The Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation

The Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation was founded in 1961. Lady Sassoon had asked that donations in memory of her late husband be donated to the Bahamas Heart Foundation. A few weeks later she discovered there was no Heart Foundation in the Bahamas, so she took it upon herself to create one. Since that time the Foundation has helped thousands of Bahamian children in need of heart care. The Foundation has paid for the operations of hundreds of children and seen thousands in were in need of care and assistance. An all volunteer organization, 98% of funds raised go directly to helping the children in need.

During February 2014 the Foundation will hold its Fiftieth Annual Heart Ball. This is the major fund raiser for the SHF. The Foundation now partners with the Bahamas Heart Association to educate about healthy heart lifestyles.

With the support of the public, we will continue with our mission to assist any child in need of heart care.

News Roundup

The Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society is calling for immediate and complete implementation of the Tobacco Control Regulations 2013 - The Tobacco Control Regulations 2013 was passed in the Trinidad and Tobago Senate on Dec 10th, 2013 with overwhelming support from the Senate.Chairperson of the TTCS, Dr. Jaqueline Pereira-Sabga states that the time for action is now and the Government must provide adequate resources to support nationwide education, cessation and awareness initiatives. Dr. Pereira-Sabga notes that the tobacco industry is ‘sly’ and will do everything in their power to delay and avoid compliance with the Regulations despite being aware of the requirements for the past three years.

The Society is disappointed that the tobacco industry has been given an entire year to make provisions for these changes having redesigned packaging in less time to display Carnival (lifestyle) imagery which is against the Regulations. The TTCS has been aggressively lobbying against the tobacco industry and will continue to do so in the future. We would also like to call on all of civil society to join us in the role of watchdog as controlling tobacco use has been highlighted as the most urgent priority to help overcome the non-communicable disease crisis.

Heart Foundation of Jamaica and the Jamaica Coalition for Tobacco Control supports Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society’s call for speedy implementation of tobacco control legislation. Read more

Smoking should be banned in T&T - INDEPENDENT Senator Dr Victor Wheeler yesterday questioned whether the time has come to completely ban tobacco smoking in this country. Wheeler described the smoking of cigarettes and pipes as a “devastating addiction” which is on par with cocaine and alcohol. He said cigarette manufacturers should be ashamed of themselves. Wheeler made the comments as he delivered his contribution to the Tobacco Control Act during yesterday’s sitting of the Senate. “There are many people who still don’t seem to realise how dangerous smoking is...smoking I consider it to be on par with cocaine and alcohol. Read more

Central Health Grenada thrilled to be welcomed as a member of the HCC

It is our goal to have a strong partnership with this remarkable entity. The mission of Central Health - Grenada is to increase the awareness of chronic diseases that affect Grenadians and those of the diaspora by discussing treatment options, team care approaches, health activism, services and the importance of having a rewarding spiritual health. This faith based business is officially registered in Grenada and was founded by returning national, Roslyn A. Douglas, MA in 2013. To keep track of our efforts, do "LIKE" us on Facebook. There you will be directed our blog pages and receive useful information that will encourage good physical and spiritual health. Email: centralhealthgnd@hotmail.com.

Prostate Cancer and the Jamaica Cancer Society

The incidence of prostate cancer in Jamaica is 78.1 per 100,000 men in the parishes of Kingston and St. Andrew with a mortality rate of 63.9 per 100,000 men. Prostate Cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in Jamaican men. The JCS has a prostate cancer screening clinic that operates from our head office in Kingston, Jamaica. The clinic is manned by volunteer doctors from the Jamaica Urological Society. In September, we held our annual public forums and medical symposiums in partnership with the Jamaica Urological Society. This forms a big part of our ongoing public health education for Jamaican men and the women in their lives.

The JCS also partenered with Astra Zeneca Pharmaceutical Company and launched an islandwide screeing campaign for prostate cancer. This saw us partnering with Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay and our branch in St. Ann to screen men in these underserved communities free of cost. A docu-drama was created, which featured one of our volunteer doctors, Dr. Belinda Morrison, Consultant Urologist. This was done in partnership with our local televison and radio stations. A record total of 668 men were screened for prostate cancer, resulting in the highest number of men that have been screened in the history of the Jamaica Cancer Society.

Press release from The Dominica Cancer Society 13th December 2013 - The Dominica Cancer Society is pleased to be one of the agencies to be selected to partner with the Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC) in the campaign to prevent deaths from Cervical Cancer. Funded by the Australian High Commission Direct Aid Program, the Cancer Society will train volunteers across the island that will be equipped to educate women about the need for cervical cancer PAP Smear Screening. We hope the Health Centres will be inundated with women who realize they should have this free check up. Read press release here

Press release from The Cancer Institute of Guyana 13th December 2013 - The Cancer Institute of Guyana is privilege to be a part of this worthy initiative which is aimed at serving women in remotes and under privilege areas across Guyana. We believe that each patient should receive considerate and respectful care/services, regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, religion, age, diagnosis, disability, etc., and that also takes into consideration the patient(s) values and beliefs. Read press release here

25th Annual Drug Awareness Month - Barbados will observe the 25th Annual Drug Awareness Month. It was founded by the National Committee for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Dependency and has a slate of activities including church, youth, Men's Health, workplace, puppetry and Disability orientations and promotions. Please contact bdosicpa@hotmail.com for information.

Promoting Healthy Living in the Americas: Multisectoral Interventions to reduce health risks factors - Last November 18th, The World Bank and The Pan American Health Organization hosted an international workshop in which a group of policy-makers and experts from Argentina, Barbados, Canada, Colombia, Mexico and the United States shared their country's experiences and lessons learned from recent promising multisectoral interventions to reduce health risk factors. Presentations and a recording of the entire event can be found here

Prevention of alcohol-related injuries in the Americas: from evidence to policy action PAHO/WHO published resource - Alcohol consumption has been associated with injuries in a wide variety of settings and from a number of causes, including those related to traffic, falls, fires, sports, and the workplace, and those resulting from interpersonal and self-inflicted violence. The results clearly illustrate the significant impact of alcohol consumption on violence and the burden it causes to health systems and societies as a whole, it also describes ways to reduce alcohol-related injuries, including the use of cost-effective policies to decrease harmful drinking at the population as well as the individual level. Read more

CARPHA - Mosquito-borne chikungunya virus in the Caribbean island of St Martin - Mosquito-borne chikungunya virus in the Caribbean island of St Martin Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, December 13, 2013. On December 12, 2013, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) received notification of ten confirmed cases of locally acquired chikungunya virus infection on the French side of the Caribbean island of Saint Martin Read more

NCD Alliance E-Alert - Webinar slides available - updates on the global NCD framework campaign, the global development campaign, national and regional NCD activities, and a presentation from Diederik Lohman (World Palliative Care Alliance) on advocacy to improve palliative care worldwide. Preparing for the 2014 NCD Review - At the UN High-level Meeting on NCDs in 2011, Member States committed to holding a comprehensive UN Review and Assessment in 2014 on the progress achieved on NCDs. Read more

Tobacco Firms’ Strategy Limits Poorer Nations’ Smoking Laws - Tobacco companies are pushing back against a worldwide rise in antismoking laws, using a little-noticed legal strategy to delay or block regulation. The industry is warning countries that their tobacco laws violate an expanding web of trade and investment treaties, raising the prospect of costly, prolonged legal battles, health advocates and officials said. Read more

Facing Tobacco’s New Challenges - When it comes to prevention and control, we all have a part to play. Fifty years after the release of the first Surgeon General's report on smoking and health, remarkable progress has been made. Since 1964, smoking prevalence among US adults has been reduced by half. In January 2014, the Surgeon General will release the 50th anniversary Surgeon General's Report on smoking and health. The report will highlight 50 years of progress in tobacco control and prevention, present new data on the health consequences of tobacco use, and detail initiatives that can end the tobacco use epidemic in the United States. Read more

NCD Articles on WebMD

• Stroke 411: How Much Do You Know? - Is it possible to have a stroke and not even know it? The answer to this, and more important things to know about strokes. Read more
• 12 Tips to Avoid Diabetes Complications - Diabetes can affect your long-term health. These 12 steps can help prevent serious problems before they happen. Read more
• Do You Know Your Stroke Risk? - Strokes can have devastating effects, but there are many early warning signs. Test your knowledge of possible risks and symptoms. Read more
• How Glucose Affects the Body - Why are high glucose levels so bad for you? How much blood sugar is too much? What you need to know. Read more
• Prostate Cancer Myths - Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer for men. Let's debunk 5 common myths. Read more

HCC News Roundup Archive - If you have missed any of our News Roundups you can view previous Roundups on our News Roundup Archive webpage here

HCC Featured - Previously featured Members, events and news can now be found on our HCC Featured webpage here

Healthy Caribbean Coalition