National Epidemiologist Ms. Harmonie Massiah-Brewley has said that the Public Health Unit of the Ministry of Health and Social Development is on a quest to promote health, wellness and fun for the year 2022. 

Ms. Massiah-Brewley said COVID-19 has contributed to high mortality rates among people with chronic non-communicable diseases and the unit will be re-focusing its energies into promoting health wellness and fun through this year’s calendar of events.

 “When it comes to your health, everything is inextricably connected,” Ms. Massiah-Brewley said. She added, “It is time we fit all the pieces of the puzzle together to improve population health. We will be focused on changing the current paradigm of health and wellness in the Territory.” 

The National Epidemiologist outlined that the unit’s team will be promoting World Cancer Day, National Pizza Day, VI Love Yourself Week, International Childhood Cancer Day, International Singles Awareness Day and International Rare Disease Day during this month.

 “We have a lot of activities planned and we want to engage with the community more. We hope that the community will embrace us by participating, as we work together to achieve our health goals,” Ms. Massiah-Brewley said.

The unit will be observing Wednesday, February 9 as National Pizza Day and the public is invited to mark the occasion and be creative by showcasing some new and scrumptious but healthier versions of pizza.

“These initiatives are to show the public that we do not have to sacrifice flavour for health. We can enjoy eating our favourite ‘’junk’ foods, just with the right ingredients and a few key tweaks,” she said.

Other activities planned are a VI Love Yourself Week February 14 to18 and the public is invited to participate in the following:

1.     February 14: Show Love!

a.   Perform a Random Act of Kindness and post a small blurb of what you did!

2.     February 15: Show us your Kits! (Lunch kits)

3.     February 16: Stop the debate- Go Hydrate!

a.     Post pictures of you promoting water consumption!

4.     February 17: Snack Time is the Best Time

a.     Display your healthy snacks

5.     February 18: Croc It Out!

a.   Walk out with your croc out! Wear your crocs and get some steps in (every 30 minutes is best for health)

The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to improving the health and well-being of the people of the Virgin Islands