NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2023 3 WORLD FAMILY DOCTOR D Y 2023 NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASES (NCDs) are the leading causes of premature death and disability in Jamaica and accounted for the top10causesof death. People are dying in the prime of their lives anda30-year-old individual living in Jamaicahas a21per cent chanceof dying fromthe fourmajorNCDsbefore age 70 years. Additionally, according to the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey III 2017, the prevalence of NCDs in Jamaicans 15 years old was 11.4 per cent diabetes, 33.8 per cent hypertension, 28.6 per cent obesity, 10.4 per cent asthma (self-reported), and11.4per cent depression. (VITALS, NCD Edition, Ministry of Health and Wellness, April 2023) A resilient and robust primary healthcare system, taking a lifecourse approach, is essential to responding to the epidemic of NCDs and mental health and achieving universal health coverage. The family doctor and primary care team are at the heart of this response through their leadership in NCD primary prevention, early detection, treatment, care coordination, advocacy, and public education. They are often the first point of contact, where they see patients through all stages of their lives from“womb to the tomb”. Today’s health problems require the family doctor to be prepared, proactive, people centred, and delivering patient-centred and integrated care, using technology and data to support decision making and delivery of care. The family doctor is equivalent to the conductor of an orchestra with respect the delivery of holistic healthcare. Continue to strive for excellence, and let us to work together towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals and improving the lives of every Jamaican. Happy World Family Doctor Day to all the family doctors, general practitioners, and primary care teams in Jamaica, the Caribbean, and the world. DR TAMU DAVIDSON Director Non-communicable Diseases and Injuries Prevention Happy World Family Doctor Day to all THE FAMILY Medicine Postgraduate Programme of The University of the West Indies, Mona campus, the Caribbean College of Family Physicians Jamaica Chapter andtheAssociationofGeneral Practitioners of Jamaica join in celebratingWord Family Doctor Day. This day, celebrated on May 19 annually, is a day to recognise the contribution of familydoctors to thehealth system globally. In Jamaica, we recognise the invaluable role played by family doctors over themany decades. TheWorld Organization of Family Wishing you continued success as we serve this country PLEASE SEE SERVE, 4
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