Advancing Children's Health

Our new Advocacy Officer, Michele Baker, recently had the privilege of participating in the Healthy Caribbean Coalition’s two-day meeting in beautiful Barbados. The focus of this gathering was ‘Accelerating the Removal of Ultra-Processed Products from Caribbean Schools.’

This comprehensive event convened public health professionals from across the region, providing a platform for insightful discussions on the vital task of creating a healthy school environment.

Here are some key takeaways from this empowering assembly:

1. Health is a Human Right: The meeting emphasized that every child deserves the best health possible. It’s not just a matter of preference; it’s a legal obligation of governments to protect and ensure the right to health for children.

2. The Importance of Evidence: In making decisions regarding the health of our children, evidence-based reasoning is paramount. Policies and actions should be grounded in best practices and supported by compelling evidence.

3. Bermuda as an Inspiring Model: Bermuda emerged as an inspiring example, showcasing impressive steps taken to reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in schools. This achievement reflects a commendable spirit of unity among schools. Furthermore, Bermuda has introduced healthy school programs and installed filtered water fountains in all government schools, promoting the availability of clean and safe drinking water.

The insights gathered from this meeting have further ignited our passion for advocating a healthier future for our children. We believe that every child has the right to a nurturing and health-conscious educational environment, and we are more determined than ever to champion this cause.

Stay tuned for updates on our efforts to promote child health and well-being in the Caribbean region. Together, we can create a brighter, healthier future for the next generation.