17/07/2026
Ministry of Health Advances National Response to Non-Communicable Diseases Through Internal Review Workshop
Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis โ The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), successfully hosted an Internal Review Workshop on 16 July 2026 to advance the development of the National Multi-Sectoral Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) 2025โ2029.
The workshop brought together officers from the Ministries of Health in St. Kitts and Nevis to critically review the draft Plan, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen strategies that will guide the Federation's response to non-communicable diseases over the next five years.
The workshop formed part of a collaborative planning process aimed at ensuring the Plan is evidence-based, practical, and reflective of national priorities. Participants reviewed key components of the document, including the strategic context and epidemiological situation, strategic objectives and priority interventions, implementation and governance arrangements, resource mobilization, and the monitoring and evaluation framework.
Delivering the opening remarks, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Mr. Curtis Martin, underscored the importance of communicating the purpose behind public health initiatives. He reminded participants that "Whenever the why is explained, the how becomes easier," emphasizing that people are more likely to support and participate in health initiatives when they understand the purpose behind them. He encouraged participants to keep this principle at the forefront as they refine strategies that require collaboration across sectors and communities.
PAHO Country Programme Specialist, Ms. Katrina Smith, reinforced the critical role of leadership within the health sector. She encouraged health professionals to not only educate the public about healthy lifestyles but also to model the behaviours they promote.
"As health professionals, we must practice what we preach. When the public sees us making healthy choices ourselves, our messages become more credible and influential."
The technical discussions and plenary sessions were led by Ms. Nadine Carty, Coordinator of the Health Promotion and HIV/AIDS Unit in Nevis, and Mrs. Latoya Matthew-Duncan, Acting Coordinator of the Health Promotion Unit, St. Kitts. Breakout group discussions were facilitated by officers from across the Ministry of Health, who guided participants through detailed reviews of the draft Plan and captured recommendations for strengthening the final document.
Participants actively examined the burden of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors, assessed the proposed strategic objectives and interventions, reviewed governance and implementation mechanisms, explored opportunities for resource mobilization, and evaluated the monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure measurable and achievable outcomes.
During the opening ceremony, participants also paused to honour the memory of two valued Ministry of Health colleagues, Ms. Londya Lennon and Ms. Adonis Maynard, whose dedication, professionalism, and service to the Ministry were remembered with a moment of silence. Their contributions to public health and their commitment to improving the lives of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis were acknowledged with gratitude and respect.
The recommendations generated during the workshop will now be consolidated and incorporated into the next draft of the National Multi-Sectoral Plan. The Ministry of Health will continue the consultation process with a broader national stakeholder consultation later this year, ensuring that government agencies, civil society, the private sector, and other key partners contribute to shaping the final document.
The Ministry of Health extends its sincere appreciation to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for its continued technical guidance and partnership and thanks all Ministry officers and facilitators whose expertise and active participation contributed to the success of the workshop.
