Faith-based leaders in the BVI are being challenged to promote healthier lifestyles in their organisations.

The leaders attended a training session on March 21 and were given an insight into the problems facing the Territory regarding Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and what their organisations can do to assist in reducing the rising prevalence of these diseases.

The meeting was organised by the Ministry of Health and Social Development and was facilitated by the Chairman of the Virgin Islands National Health and Wellness Advisory Council, Mr. Elton Georges, OBE. Presentations were made by health professionals including Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Irad Potter; Deputy Chief of Medical Services, Dr. Monica Odwin-Sagala; and Coordinator of Health Promotion Services, Ms. Ivy George.

Ms. George said the representatives reviewed and amended the Virgin Islands Faith-based Organisation Health Ministry Network document which provides guidelines on how the BVI Health Advisory Council, the Ministry of Health and faith-based organisations would work together.  They also reviewed the Faith-based Collaboration to Counteract Chronic Diseases Declaration of Road Town, a document which was adopted from the Faith-based Bridgetown Declaration.

The Health Promotion Services Coordinator stated, “These documents are to serve as a guide for churches and other religious organisations who wish to participate. The documents will be forwarded to other leaders for their input and a similar consultation will be held on Virgin Gorda.

Ms. George said the partnership with the church is important as it is part of a strategy for an all-of-society approach to challenging the NCD epidemic, and that the Ministry is pleased with the turnout and the willingness of the ministers to accept that they have a role in improving the health of their congregation.

“The church has many resources and a pool of active people that attend services and other activities on a regular basis.  We know that health is more than just physical health, it is mental and spiritual.  By working with the churches we will be able to give support and promote healthier lifestyles within faith-based organisations,” she added.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development has implemented a ten-year strategy to improve the health and wellbeing of the population and reduce the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases. The strategy prioritises prevention by integrating policies and action across multiple settings where people live, play and work, to improve health and save lives.