We Need a Resolution

Every year, many around the world gather their pens and paper (or even fancy planning journals or worksheets) on New Year's Day to hit the ground running with making and taking action on resolutions and across many aspects of life - particularly around our health. Top goals include exercising more, eating healthier, drinking more water, getting more sleep, losing or gaining weight, practicing more mindfulness, and the list goes on. While change can occur at any moment, there is something special about the New Year that brings a sense of enthusiasm and determination to conquer these tasks to improve our well-being.

Even with all of the hope and stationery, momentum slowly dwindles by the end of the first week, and nearly half of the people who set goals on January 1 completely quit their progress toward their resolutions by the end of the month. The greatest challenge that leads to falling through on goals is losing motivation; however, that does not paint the full picture. Limited resources, support, and knowledge are important factors that differentiate success and failure.

The same can be said about healthcare systems across the Caribbean's countries, as we face unique and multi-layered challenges that strain our progress towards achieving health equity for our 44.5 million residents. National health authorities craft lofty goals and receive tremendous technical and financial support from regional and international partners, and yet something is still lacking to close the gaps. Case in point:

• The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) noted that noncommunicable diseases (like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes) are the leading causes of death in the region¹;
• Mental health concerns (like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse) are becoming more common but are overlooked or shamed;
• CARPHA also recognizes that communicable diseases continue to burden the Caribbean because of climate change, stigma, misinformation, and lack of equitable access to safe water and sanitation²;
• Health emergencies are becoming more frequent in the Caribbean due to changes in climate patterns and the removal of natural barriers for commercial purposes, according to the Research for Action on Climate Change and Health in the Caribbean³;
• The Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) found that 90% of road traffic deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries and road traffic injuries are the #1 cause of death for people aged 15-29 years in Latin America and the Caribbean⁴;
• Violence is evolving as a global public health crisis, with alarming rates of serious injury and death against women and children in the Caribbean and the Americas region⁵;
• The Caribbean has major health system issues, including high chronic disease outcomes, a "brain drain" in native health workers due to strained work conditions, underfunding, and limited health infrastructure⁶.

Observing how significant and intertwined those challenges are would make the average person wonder if the Caribbean can achieve the outcomes it desires and deserves. This has become even more pronounced as neighbors to the North have made significant political decisions that directly impact our ability to provide care for our citizens. However, one of the greatest qualities that Caribbean people have mastered, which is much the same across the African Diaspora, is the ability to identify limitations and transform them into strengths.

With this in mind, we need a resolution, one that is designed just for us based on our vibrant and distinct qualities. By paying keen attention to our social determinants of health, which are the non-medical conditions "in which people are born, grow, live, work and age, and people’s access to power, money, and resources," we can move the needle towards improving health outcomes and strengthening our healthcare systems in a way that is genuine and relevant to us. Actions that we can build upon include, but are not limited to:

1. Understanding what truly motivates and hinders people to take on healthy behaviors and let go of unhealthy behaviors;
2. Challenging the societal norms around health topics so that family and peers can be more likely to support and engage in those health behaviors as well;
3. Mindfully and strategically designing community spaces through data analytics, policies, and upskilling to make it easier and more sustainable for people to take on positive health behaviors;
4. Governments making concerted efforts to develop, enact, and enforce the necessary legislation to build the environments that make healthy living the common rule and not the exception; and
5. Enhancing our vibrant culture to reflect the values and beliefs that cause our existence to thrive.

These steps, among other things, will lead to a healthier and empowered region over time. This work cannot be accomplished by traditional health authorities alone and will be more effective when those who will directly benefit from it are more engaged and have a seat at the table. Regal State of Health Consultancy is a boutique consulting firm that provides public health solutions to dignify the health and well-being of the Caribbean. Explore our website to learn who we are and what drives our work, our solutions and resources, and how to connect with us.

PHOTO: I AM CaribBeing celebrates One Love, Little Caribbean Day at Prospect Park. Photo By: Unscripted Moments