Stronger Advocacy for Nutrition and Heart Health

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to combatting heart disease and promoting healthier lifestyles through stronger advocacy in nutrition.

Speaking at the recent Heart Month media launch held at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in Kingston, Dr. Tufton emphasised the urgent need for public awareness and policy-driven action to address cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in Jamaica.

The Minister commended the Heart Foundation of Jamaica for its efforts in promoting heart health and aligning with global public health priorities.

He noted that this year’s theme, ‘Love Your Heart, Eat Smart’, is a timely reminder of the critical role nutrition plays in preventing heart disease.

“Proper nutrition is a fundamental aspect of heart health in keeping with the United Nations’ Decade of Action on Nutrition (2016-2025),” he pointed out.

He expressed concern about the rising incidence of premature mortality, particularly among younger individuals, due to poor dietary choices and sedentary lifestyles.

“Consumption is the big elephant in the room,” he said, citing excessive intake of deep-fried, salty, sugary, and trans-fat-laden foods as a major contributor.

Dr. Tufton said there is need for a more assertive public health response and called on advocates to directly challenge the aggressive marketing of unhealthy food products.

“We need to be as assertive and aggressive as the companies selling these products, even at the risk of offending them,” he declared.

Minister Tufton outlined several key policy initiatives aimed at addressing the issue.

These include the National Food and Nutrition Security Policy, National Infant and Young Child Feeding Policy 2018, National Food-based Dietary Guidelines 2015, and the Draft National Plan of Action for the Prevention of Obesity in Children and Adolescents.

There is also the School Nutrition Policy, which is now progressing towards Cabinet approval.

“This will be a game changer,” Dr. Tufton said, emphasising its potential impact in fostering healthier eating habits among school-aged children.

Additionally, he mentioned collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce to phase out trans-fats from the national food system.

“A framework has been agreed upon, and the initiative is progressing towards Cabinet submission,” he pointed out.

Dr. Tufton emphasised that this move is long overdue, given the significant impact of trans-fats on cardiovascular health.

Another major initiative is the implementation of front-of-package labelling, which will provide consumers with clear and accessible nutritional information.

The Minister called for continued collaboration among government agencies, advocacy groups, and the private sector to drive lasting change in public health.

“We must work together, continue this advocacy, and seek better ways to protect the health and well-being of our people,” he said.