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Monday, July 10, 2006
A study on the macro-economic implications of non-communicable diseases, recently
presented at the 27th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community in St Kitts revealed that the number of deaths, resulting from diabetes, hypertension and heart disease were ten times higher than the number resulting from HIV/AIDS.
It also identified the high costs of treatment of diabetes and hypertension in the region.
In response to these disturbing findings, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has offered to host a special regional consultation to consider mechanism for implementing specific recommendations to help stem the trend. The methods suggested include taxation of tobacco products, a ban on smoking to combat tobacco use; and making physical education compulsory in schools.
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