Run/Walk Event on Caribbean Wellness Day to Promote Participation In Physical Activities

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has joined forces with the University of Technology (UTech) Jamaica and other stakeholders to stage a 3K Run/Walk and Wellness Village on Saturday, September 14, to commemorate Caribbean Wellness Day (CWD).

Observed across the region on the second Saturday of September annually, CWD aims to raise awareness and mobilise action around the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, which are leading causes of death and disability in the Caribbean.

The inaugural event, which is being organised in collaboration with UTech’s Caribbean School of Science and Sports, aims to encourage participation in physical activities, one of the key lifestyle changes that have been proven to prevent NCDs.

In an interview with JIS News, Director of Health Promotion and Education, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Takese Foga, explained the significance of the day.

“Caribbean Wellness Day is not just a health initiative, it’s a whole-of-government effort to tackle the burden of NCDs. In Jamaica, approximately seven out of 10 deaths are linked to NCDs, and alarming rates of diabetes, hypertension and obesity continue to affect our population,” the Director said.

“One in eight Jamaicans has diabetes, one in three has hypertension, and half of our population is either overweight or obese. This day serves as a critical reminder of the need for prevention and control measures,” she continued.

Miss Foga also emphasised the importance of community involvement. “We’re targeting workplaces, community groups, and individuals to come together, get moving, and have fun while promoting health and wellness. It’s about showing that staying active doesn’t have to be daunting; it can be enjoyable and accessible to everyone,” she said.

In addition to the run and walk, there will be several family-friendly activities designed to engage people of all ages in healthy lifestyle practices. These include free health screenings; healthy food preparation; cooking demonstrations; smoothie sampling; physical activity zones as well as awards and recognition for the outstanding performers in the run and walk, including seniors, youth participants, and workplaces with the largest number of participants.

Caribbean Wellness Day was first celebrated in 2008 following the Port-of-Spain Declaration of 2007, where CARICOM leaders made a unified commitment to combat the growing epidemic of NCDs within the Caribbean region.

The day serves as a platform to highlight the devastating impact of these diseases on public health and economic productivity across the Caribbean, as well as to promote coordinated, country-wide efforts to address the crisis.

Caribbean Wellness Day marks a key opportunity to amplify Jamaica’s Workplace Wellness Programme and strengthen collaborations with tertiary institutions and community organisations, ensuring that health promotion reaches all corners of society.

Participants are encouraged to register for the Run and Walk through the Ministry’s social media platforms, including Twitter (@JamaicaMoves and Instagram (@jamaicamoves2.0).