Empowering communities to prevent and self-manage noncommunicable diseases in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago, like many countries around the world, is facing a growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic lung disease. These chronic conditions account for over 62% of deaths each year, with three quarters occurring in people under 70 years of age. Over half the country’s population has three or more NCD risk factors, such as poor nutrition, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol and tobacco, placing them at greater risk of developing a chronic illness. The country’s experience shows that empowering and equipping communities to take charge of their health through prevention and self-management of chronic conditions is an effective way to build healthier populations and achieve health for all.
Dr Michael Jaggernauth, a primary health care physician working in the South-West Regional Health Authority in Trinidad, suffers from diabetes. Despite being a medical professional, he struggled to maintain and manage his own condition. This is not uncommon. While people know, in theory, that adequate exercise and a healthy diet matter, they find it difficult to make the necessary lifestyle changes needed to improve their health.
Then, Dr Jaggerauth took part in a training course that changed his perspective. This was Trinidad and Tobago’s chronic disease self-management course, implemented by PAHO/WHO, with the support of the Universal Health Coverage Partnership (UHC Partnership).
“Chronic illnesses make you tired, with poor sleep and physical limitations. This programme has given me many more tools to work with, and I am seeing much improvement in my health. I am sleeping better, I am exercising better, and my weight is better controlled. Having realized the benefits of the programme, I see myself as an advocate or mentor to other people with chronic illnesses who may be struggling to manage their conditions. I would like to help train them and the wider community so that more people can benefit. It is going to expand, and illnesses will become less challenging for the population.”
Dr Michael Jaggernauth
Trained as lead trainer
Dr Jaggernauth was one of 25 people trained as lead trainers, from a range of state and non-state organizations across Trinidad and Tobago, who took part in this training initiative to either manage their own NCDs or become lead trainers to share knowledge in their communities. People are also referred to the training programme from local health centres. This community-based approach has increased the knowledge, skills and confidence of people to care for themselves and manage their condition effectively.
The Ministry of Health with PAHO/WHO’s expertise designed the chronic disease self-management course to ensure that people in communities are empowered. Using support groups, each person trained is encouraged to help each other to make healthy lifestyle choices and manage their own NCD conditions. The approach is also integrated into the health system so that people can get the appropriate type of support when necessary.
Over time, the initiative will be scaled up nationwide, with a plan to train more leader trainers over the next two years to reach all communities. Since its initial run of 25 people, the chronic disease self-management course has now trained 75 people living with NCDs. WHO is also working with several participants to document the impact of the course on their lives.
Achieving health for all begins with communities that are empowered to improve and protect their health. Trinidad and Tobago is among the 115 countries to which the UHC Partnership helps deliver WHO support and technical expertise in advancing UHC with a primary health care (PHC) approach. The UHC Partnership is one of WHO’s largest initiatives for international cooperation for UHC and PHC.
Photo Credit: © PAHO/WHO/Denith McNicolls
Photo Caption: Siparia Health Centre, Trinidad and Tobago, May 2021.