Over the last five years, the world has witnessed the greatest and fastest migration into cities and towns. In 2007, for the first time in history, over half of the world’s population lived in cities. It is estimated that by 2030, six out of every 10 persons across the world will be living in urban areas. This phenomenon continues to have implications for the health of persons in urban areas across the globe. It is no different in Jamaica, which continues to experience an increasing number of persons migrating to urban areas seeking access to services and resources available primarily in these areas.
This year we observe World Health Day under the theme “Urban Health Matters: 1000 cities, 1000 lives”, which seeks to draw urgent attention to the health challenges associated with urbanization. Urban life increases exposure to risky behaviours which include limited physical activity, consumption of foods with high levels of fat, sugar and salt and tobacco use. There are also challenges related to access to safe water, environmental issues and increase in violence and injuries.
“Urban Health Matters: 1000 cities, 1000 lives”, is therefore also a call for the support of individuals, communities and organizations in addressing the health challenges associated with urban living.
As chronic non-communicable diseases are our leading cause of death in Jamaica, the Caribbean and the World, the Ministry has a health promotion emphasis on healthy habits such as regular physical activity, healthy eating and smoking cessation and prevention.
Interventions and programmes have been implemented in schools, workplaces and communities to foster healthy lifestyle practices. One such initiative is the Healthy Zone Programme through which the Ministry in partnership with communities has established safe, green spaces with walking trails in densely populated areas for the purpose of exercise and recreation.
The aim of the Healthy Zone Programme is to promote physical activity and encourage community togetherness through active participation in the promotion and development of healthy communities. To date four (4) Healthy Zones have been created under the MOH Healthy Zone Programme. These healthy zones are located in St. Catherine and Clarendon. As we encourage the development of healthy zones in or near the towns of each parish, we wish to use World Health Day 2010 as the vehicle to call on the private sector, civil society and each Jamaican to work with us to develop, implement and sustain this initiative.
We also encourage persons to develop and implement simple routine activities in the home, school and the workplace that help to promote healthy living from a holistic standpoint. Our children must be taught these practices to ensure continuity and cultural integration.
The Ministry of Health cannot combat the health challenges we face in our cities and towns alone. We seek your continued support in sustaining the gains and preserving the health of our nation.
