This report covers trinidad tobago: tobago health with key details and context.
The Tobago House of Assembly Division of Health has launched a health and wellness campaign titled “Play Mas, Live Well” in conjunction with the upcoming Tobago October Carnival. This initiative is designed to address rising concerns regarding chronic diseases among young adults in the region. Throughout the month, various programs will be implemented as part of this campaign.
According to health officials in Tobago, the “Play Mas, Live Well” initiative is essential due to alarming statistics. Secretary of Health Dr. Faith Brebnor shared insights from a health practitioner, indicating that individuals in their thirties are now reporting HbA1c readings exceeding fourteen. Dr. Brebnor noted, “We now have significantly younger people who are having long-term issues, because HbA1c is not just a result of a temporary spike in sugar levels; it indicates prolonged uncontrolled high sugar levels in the system. This trend suggests an increase in the number of young people facing these health challenges, which were traditionally more common among older adults.”
Dr. Fidelis Okali, Acting General Manager of Primary Care at the Tobago Regional Health Authority, supported this observation by referencing a National Survey conducted in 2011 and again in 2024. He pointed out that Trinidad and Tobago has the highest rates of chronic Non-Communicable Diseases in the region. The 2024 survey results highlighted that lifestyle habits are significantly contributing to this issue. Dr. Okali stated, “21.3 percent of the population smokes, and approximately half of our population, or 51.5 percent, reported consuming alcohol within the past thirty days. Furthermore, 93.3 percent of individuals consume fewer than five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, which are crucial for reducing the risk of developing chronic Non-Communicable Diseases.”
trinidad tobago: tobago health: key developments so far.
Aneika Edwards, a Health Education Officer, emphasized that the “Play Mas, Live Well” campaign aims to transform lifestyle habits among the community. She explained, “This campaign focuses on making exercise enjoyable, accessible, and an integral part of our culture—not just during Carnival but as a long-term lifestyle change. Over the next four weeks, we will engage communities through activities such as aerobics, dance fitness, yoga, and hikes, demonstrating how simple it is to begin and maintain a fitness journey.”
Additionally, the initiative includes components related to sexual health and wellness. Onika Henry, Health Education Facilitator and County Medical Officer of Health, highlighted the importance of addressing sexual wellness as the Carnival period approaches. She stated that the campaign emphasizes three key concepts: coverage, consent, and confidence. Henry explained, “Coverage refers to protection from STIs and unplanned pregnancies, which is as essential as wearing good shoes during the festivities. Consent ensures that all parties are engaged willingly and joyfully, creating a harmonious experience. Lastly, confidence comes from knowing one’s health status through testing and taking proactive measures for self-care, similar to monitoring vital signs.”
The launch of the campaign concluded with the first aerobic burnout session held at the Office of the Chief Secretary, marking the beginning of a month-long effort to promote health and wellness in Tobago.
