News

The ISN was represented at the SIDS Ministerial Conference by Dr. Lori Ann Fisher and Dr. Raquel Lowe Jones, nephrologists associated with the University of the West Indies in Jamaica, and ISN North America and Caribbean Regional Board members.

The SIDS Ministerial Conference in Barbados from June 13 to 16 addressed the high burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health in small island developing states (SIDS). The conference aimed to raise awareness, stimulate domestic and international action, and agree on specific activities to prevent and control NCDs and mental health issues.

The “Bridgetown Declaration on NCDs and Mental Health” was launched at the event, highlighting the need to address these challenges in SIDS countries, particularly considering the impact of climate change.

SIDS countries committed to various actions, including improving access to mental health care and implementing evidence-based interventions for NCDs. The declaration will influence future global meetings on health coverage and NCDs.

Speakers at the event included distinguished individuals such as the Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, prime minister of Barbados; Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO); Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO); and other prominent figures. Their participation added valuable insights and perspectives to the discussions on addressing NCDs and mental health challenges in SIDS countries.