A series of self-management workshops aimed at assisting persons in the management of non-communicable diseases will be held in April.

The sessions were organised by the Ministry of Health and Social Development in collaboration with the Pan-American Health Organisation to combat the escalating incidence of chronic diseases in the Virgin Islands.

Chief Nursing Officer, Ms. Jacinth Hannibal explained that a diagnosis of a chronic disease such as diabetes or high blood pressure can be stressful for individuals and their families. She said this often requires a change in lifestyle and supportive efforts to correct the disease or to prevent further impact to the body.

Ms. Hannibal stated, “Through this program individuals learn skills to help them cope. These skills are taught by persons like themselves with chronic disease and will be taught incrementally so it is easy for persons to understand.”

The programme will run for six weeks with each session lasting for 2 1/2 hours per week. The first workshop will be conducted on April 13 at the East End Long Look Community Centre at 5:30 p.m. and will continue each Wednesday for six weeks until May 18. The second session will commence on April 16 at the Jana Downing Diabetes Resource Center located on Main Street, Tortola at 9:00 a.m. and will continue each Saturday for six weeks until May 21.  Workshops will also be conducted quarterly in the remaining months of the year.

A maximum of 12 participants will be accommodated at each session. Persons who may be at risk are also invited to join.

The programme is based on the well-researched Stanford University’s chronic disease self-management programme that will be delivered from a set script, utilizing basic resources that build upon the peer support concept.

For more information and to register, persons can contact Jascinth Hannibal at 468-2271 or468-2280 or email jhannibal@gov.vg.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is committed to improving the health of the people of the Virgin Islands.