New York, USA, September 25, 2025 (PMO) – Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, in his capacity as CARICOM’s Lead Head for Human Resource Development, Health and HIV/AIDS, delivered a powerful statement on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at the United Nations Headquarters today, September 25, during the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly.
Addressing world leaders, Prime Minister Drew underscored that for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent not just a health challenge, but an existential threat. He stressed that despite regional progress in tackling NCDs and advancing mental health, the global response still lags far behind the scale of the crisis.
Prime Minister Drew, on behalf of CARICOM therefore called on the international community to:
· Establish dedicated global financing mechanisms for NCDs, including catalytic funds, debt-for-health swaps, and innovative blended finance, to ensure small economies are not left behind.
· Guarantee equitable access to essential medicines and technologies for NCD prevention and care.
· Recognise and address the intersection between NCDs, climate change, and emergencies, given the disproportionate vulnerability of small island states.
· Invest in strengthening health systems and human resources for health, especially to meet the growing demands of ageing populations.
Prime Minister Drew highlighted that CARICOM Member States have already taken bold steps, including national NCD strategies, stronger surveillance systems, cancer prevention initiatives, school nutrition policies, and fiscal measures such as sugar-sweetened beverage and tobacco taxes. He pointed to regional achievements like the Bridgetown Declaration, the Caribbean Moves Initiative, and regional cooperation through institutions such as the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) as evidence of political will and innovation across the Community.
However, he warned that the draft political declaration currently under discussion does not go far enough, particularly on targets related to tobacco, hypertension, mental health, and obesity. “Without bold decisions today, the world will not meet the 2030 target of reducing premature NCD deaths by one-third,” Prime Minister Drew cautioned.
He concluded by reaffirming CARICOM’s readiness to act and to lead, while urging the global community to “match words with action and commitments with resources.”
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