The St. Lucia Diabetes & Hypertension Association (SLDHA) was conceptualized on August 9, 1983 and nationally launched in April, 1989. It was established to attend to the welfare of diabetic and hypertensive individuals in St. Lucia, as well as to provide service to the general public. The SLDHA has embarked on a constructive and intense outreach programme in all of the nine regions in St. Lucia in an effort to bring greater awareness of the plight of diabetes, utilizing the services of the medical professionals (doctors, nurses) and para-medical care givers at the hospitals and health centres. Activities are geared towards educating the public about the causes, prevention and control of diabetes, hoping to stem the escalating number of persons afflicted and affected by the disease. According to the Ministry of Health and agreed by health care professionals, diabetes is amongst the greatest health threats in St. Lucia.
The achievement of the goals of the SLDHA is challenged by changes in the environment and the need for new energy within the organization. Volunteerism, upon which the organization depends, is dwindling. Simultaneously, screening services intended for diabetics are increasingly being provided by retired medical professionals and newly established private care givers. These changes have begun to impact the ability of the organization to play the central role that it played in the past, while not always providing better or more cost-effective results for individuals.
SLDHA Objectives
- The mission of the Association is to raise awareness of the problems of diabetes and hypertension and to contribute to the prevention and eradication of diabetes and hypertension in St. Lucia.
- The Association shall develop general awareness of diabetes and hypertension directly through community programming and broadly through multimedia and public events.
- In its outreach the Association will specifically target groups of persons who are diabetic or hypertensive in addition to the general public...view pdf to learn more
