Health Minister, Sir Molwyn Joseph, has declared war on non-communicable
diseases which, combined, are the leading causes of death in Antigua and Barbuda.
Speaking at the launch of a national STEPS Survey, which is a Non-
Communicable Diseases Risk factor population-based survey, he shared that NCDs
create a severe strain on the country’s healthcare system and that getting them
under control will have a beneficial effect on the entire society.
“The top five leading causes of death in Antigua and Barbuda for 2020 were all
NCDs and included cancer, hypertension, diseases of the respiratory system,
diabetes, and acute myocardial infarction. The biological risk factors for NCDs
such as raised blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol; being overweight
and obese; and the modified risk factors such as tobacco use; harmful use of
alcohol; physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet, all contribute to the high burden of
the main NCDs,” Sir Molwyn reported.
Additionally, the minister noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, those who
were at higher risk for severe disease and death from COVID-19 were those with
NCDs.
These factors, according to Sir Molwyn underscore the importance of the
prevention, management, and control of NCDs as well as the associated risk
factors. “This, however, is no easy feat. Antigua and Barbuda, like many other
countries in the region, faces many challenges in the prevention, management, and
control of NCDs. One such challenge is that there is no well-structured
surveillance system for monitoring the main risk factors for NCDs and health
trends,” he remarked.
Sir Molwyn disclosed that the Ministry of Health has as a high priority the
prevention and control of NCDs and the strengthening of the Epidemiology and
Surveillance Unit. This STEPS survey is critical to the achievement of these two
priorities as it will give vital information to facilitate the development and
implementation of policies and interventions aimed at tackling NCDs.
Sir Molwyn Joseph has always said that the health of the nation is the wealth of the
nation. Further, he has always emphasized the need for Antiguans and Barbudans
to be proactive with the prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases instead of
reactive and treating patients diagnosed with NCDs since NCDs can be prevented
with lifestyle changes.
The Antigua and Barbuda STEPS survey is the first nationally representative
survey to collect comprehensive information on NCDs in Antigua and Barbuda. It
will provide essential information on key indicators for non-communicable
diseases for persons aged 18-69 years.
