Antigua and Barbuda today joins the rest of the region in observing Caribbean Wellness Day (CWD), an annual initiative designed to shine a spotlight on the growing threat of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The event traces its origins to 2007, when Caribbean leaders gathered at a special summit in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. It was there that heads of government, including Antigua and Barbuda’s then Prime Minister, Baldwin Spencer signed the landmark Declaration of Port-of-Spain: Uniting to Stop the Epidemic of Chronic NCDs. Out of that meeting came the decision to designate the second Saturday in September as Caribbean Wellness Day.

Since then, the day has been observed across CARICOM states with the goal of raising awareness about illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and certain cancers conditions that continue to account for the majority of deaths and hospitalizations in the region. Mental health has also become an important part of the conversation, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health officials are urging citizens to adopt lifestyle habits that reduce the risk of NCDs. These include engaging in regular physical activity, making healthier food choices, limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and scheduling annual health checks. Attention is also being placed on emotional well-being, with encouragement for people to build stronger relationships, manage stress, and seek professional help when needed.

Caribbean Wellness Day has evolved into more than just a symbolic observance. In many countries, it is marked by community activities such as health fairs, fitness challenges, and public education campaigns. The message remains clear: wellness is everyone’s responsibility, and prevention is the best medicine.