In March 2024, The Global Center for Legal Innovation on Food Environments Center, O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, Georgetown University in Washington D.C. in partnership with the Law and Health Research Unit at the University of the West Indies and the HCC launched a joint report entitled: PUBLIC HEALTH DECISION-MAKING IN CARICOM: Strengthening the Front-of-Package Nutrition Labelling Standardisation Programme.

This publication aims to spotlight individual commitments by SIDS Member States towards addressing the NCD and mental health burden, to celebrate their successes, and highlight challenges faced on this journey. Each issue will contain individual country stories detailing the specific commitment and initial progress towards defined targets, recent or upcoming events, a “Voices of SIDS” segment and other key highlights. 

The first newsletter issue, attached here and available online, highlights the fantastic work in Belize, Timor-Leste and Vanuatu, and shares important reflections and experiences across the SIDS. We highlight key updates and look ahead to the 4th International Conference on SIDS, taking place 27-30 May 2024 in Antigua and Barbuda, which will also include a special side-event on NCDs and mental health to accelerate action in achieving the commitments made through the 2023 Bridgetown Declaration

Join us for an insightful webinar titled "Developing Your NGO's Brand Identity," featuring guest speakers from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, Let's Unpack It, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Antigua and Barbuda.

Throughout the session, our experts will delve into crucial topics to help your organization establish a strong brand presence and effectively communicate your mission. The session will cover essential aspects such as an Introduction to Branding, strategies for developing your NGO’s brand and telling your story, and techniques for reaching your target audience through effective targeting and engagement. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your NGO's branding efforts and make a lasting impact in your community.

The event is open to all civil society organizations

HCY Member Stephanie Whiteman featured on Development Initiatives What are we missing podcast - spotlighting the Mental Health Call to Action and broader issues around mental health data, decentralizing mental health care, addressing stigma and reminding us of the link between mental health and what we eat

L to R: Yvonne Alexander, President of the DCS and  Dr. Cassandra Williams, Acting Minister of Health

Photo: Dominica News Online

Dominica News Online: Acting Minister of Health, Dr. Cassandra Williams is reporting an increase in cancer-related deaths in Dominica from 2020 to 2022. She made the announcement during the Dominica Cancer Society (DCS) Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the weekend.

Cancer is reported as one of the non-communicable diseases that is the leading cause of death in Dominica.

T&T Newsday: The e-cigarette was developed in 2003 by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik as a way to help chronic smokers quit and was touted as a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes.

Over two decades later, some experts are saying it may be even more harmful than cigarettes and has become a major attraction to a demographic that was not its initial target – teens and adolescents who can become addicted to nicotine and inhale other harmful materials by using the devices.