Nassau, The Bahamas, March 4, 2024 - The PAHO/WHO Country Office for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands partnered with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s branch of Urban Renewal to host World Obesity Day. Over 60 children from the Marathon and Englerston Communities gathered to learn about healthy lifestyles.
This year’s theme of ‘Obesity & …’ sought to highlight its connection to a host of global issues. Like the World Health Organization, the Country Office chose to focus on youth and the impact of unhealthy environments, stigma, food marketing and the school community. From appealing to children by cartoon characters on unhealthy foods to the lack of physical movement while using electronic devices, youth across the region are faced with higher risks of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
According to the Healthy Caribbean Coalition, 1 in 3 children are obese in the region. If not remedied, this can result in serious physical, mental, and financial consequences.
Students were encouraged to choose healthier food options, to read nutritional labels, and to increase their physical activity. Students were also encouraged to practice behaviors with their loved ones. As youth continue these behaviors, they are more likely to continue the same into adulthood.
The Country Office also published an article in newspaper in The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands to observe the day.
PAHO/WHO encourages all community members to create healthy and sustainable environments where everyone, everywhere can live longer, healthier lives.
