Issue
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major health challenge in the Caribbean. While structures like youth parliaments and national youth councils exist, youth participation in health policy-making and governance remains limited.
Project partners
How we are helping
This project aims to strengthen the role of young people, including those living with NCDs, in shaping inclusive, responsive health policies and ensuring sustained, youth participation in health governance in Barbados and Saint Lucia.
About the project
The Caribbean community (CARICOM) has made substantial efforts to raise awareness and reduce the prevalence of NCDs across the region. Youth participation in health policy-making and governance remains limited despite the existence of youth parliaments and councils. Barriers to meaningful youth engagement include the absence of formal mechanisms for social participation, stigma, limited access to information, insufficient understanding of policy processes, and a lack of advocacy skills.
Project partner, Healthy Caribbean Coalition, will work in partnership with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados, and the Saint Lucia Diabetes and Hypertension Association, to improve youth participation in health governance.
This will be achieved by:
- develop a guidance document on youth engagement, informed by youth perspectives, to be shared with NCD Commissions, Ministries of Health, and CARICOM for regional uptake, and with the Pan American Health Organisation to support implementation of the WHO resolution on social participation for universal health coverage
- train 20-30 young people, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to participate effectively in national and regional decision-making processes; and
- develop a sustainability plan to ensure ongoing support for youth-led advocacy and long-term engagement in health governance.
As a result of this project, it is hoped that the prevalence of NCDs across the Caribbean region is reduced due to improved and sustained involvement of young people in health decision-making processes.
Project Partners
The HCC works with regional and international leaders in the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). HCC leverages the power of civil society by strengthening and supporting its membership in the implementation of programmes aimed at reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with NCDs. The HCC is the only Caribbean NCD alliance of over 100 health and non-health civil society organisations. It is an inclusive Caribbean civil society network, built on the values of transparency and integrity, providing opportunities for civil society, private sector and local communities to come together in response to the pandemic of NCDs.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados is an NGO dedicated to the prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. It promotes healthy lifestyles through education, advocacy, and community-based programmes, while also providing rehabilitation and support services for those affected. The Foundation works with national and regional partners to raise awareness, influence policy, and improve access to care. They offer a variety of programmes and services, and engage in ongoing advocacy efforts to support the community in achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The St. Lucia Diabetes & Hypertension Association (SLDHA) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting individuals affected by diabetes and hypertension. Its mission is to raise awareness and contribute to the prevention and eradication of these chronic conditions in St. Lucia. The Association also aims to raise awareness of the relationship between diabetes, hypertension, and overall health, contributing to the prevention and management of these conditions in the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs). SLDHA envisions becoming the leading national institution for diabetes and hypertension education, awareness, and care.
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