The Minister of Tourism and Public Health proudly states that from April 15th to 19th, professionals from the Department of Public Health Aruba (DVG) (epidemiology sections, health management, and health promotion) attended a workshop organized by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in Washington DC.
During the workshop, the DVG professionals presented the results of the STEPS 2023 survey and also showcased all programs and interventions in the prevention of chronic diseases currently being carried out by various organizations in Aruba.
PAHO was impressed with the management of Public Health in Aruba and how motivated and focused they are on working together with their collaborators to prevent, educate, and promote health at different levels. PAHO offered various sessions where experts in different areas, such as tobacco for example, presented studies conducted in our region, highlighting programs with potential to explore in Aruba.
The Department of Public Health is now tasked with finalizing the report and analysis of the data from the STEPS 2023 survey in collaboration with PAHO and CBS Aruba, for an official presentation of the results scheduled to take place in Aruba this month.
STEPS 2023 was a national investigation into risk factors for the development of non-communicable chronic diseases among the population of Aruba. General information and risk factors were collected to update management, health programs, and interventions. Some data that certainly had an impact was the obesity figures, which represent a significant challenge to the health and well-being of Aruba’s population.
The Department of Public Health is working hard on the final phase of the STEPS 2023 report. According to Minister Oduber, the knowledge gained will help organizations responsible for public health management to receive a current view of the health of our population, but also to understand the risk factors for our people’s health. Together, they will implement comprehensive strategies addressing the root causes of obesity and empowering individuals to make decisions for a healthier life.
