NCDs costing Barbados more than 5% of its GDP

Non-communicable diseases are costing Barbados the equivalent of more than 5% of its GDP.

This is according to health experts at the World Bank and Regional Health Organisations, who are warning of the urgent need to address the growing challenge of NCDs.

These diseases reportedly account for over 75% of all deaths in the region, with devastating economic consequences, including productivity losses and unsustainable healthcare costs.

During a public discussion hosted by the World Bank, panellists shed light on critical gaps in NCD policies, with Caribbean nations implementing less than 40% of recommended measures.

They say priority areas for improvement include increasing taxes on tobacco and alcohol, restricting unhealthy food marketing, and promoting physical activity.

The experts say no Caribbean country currently meets the World Health Organisation’s recommended 75% tax share on tobacco.