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HOME	OCTOBER 01st, 2005

The Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has given US$43,600.00 to the Ministry of Health to develop a National Strategic Plan for Health in five years.

Minister of Health Senator Ann David-Antoine made the disclosure to media practitioners at a press conference last Friday at Tropicana Hotel. She indicated that under the theme "Health for Economic Growth and Human Development" the plan will be developed in five years, with the help of the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO), CDB, and Grenadians. The aim of the plan is to maximise scarce resources to maintain a high health standard among Grenadians.

The female government minister pointed out that the development of the plan is extremely important, in order to bring about changes that are necessary and fundamentally important for health, in which careful planning is absolutely vital.

Sen. Antoine disclosed that the plan will empower people to take charge of their own health needs, and encourage them to seek the kind of health care needed, as well as modify their lifestyles.

The health plan is needed, she said because while there has been tremendous progress made in managing or stopping infectious diseases, the fact of the matter is that chronic non-communicable diseases have emerged as the leading causes of illnesses and death.

The minister identified these diseases as Lifestyles changes (physical activity, diet, sexual activity, drug use), environmental hazards, accidents and injuries and natural disaster.

Sen. Antoine urged Grenadians to see their participation in this initiative as one that is designed to bring about meaningful benefits to all.

The development of the Health Plan will be guided by a Steering Committee which will be given the responsibility to ensure that the process involves all stakeholders in a participatory consultative process.

Chairman of the Steering Committee Winston Duncan identified the things that need to be addressed in the plan as vehicular accidents, teenage child bearing, contraceptives and HIV/AIDS.