Improving Health in the Caribbean Region: Challenges and Opportunities

This chapter provides an extensive evaluation of the health status in the Caribbean region prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. It meticulously examines critical health indicators, including infant mortality rates, life expectancy, and mortality rates linked to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Furthermore, the chapter delves into the multifaceted risk factors associated with these ailments, with a special focus on obesity, alcohol consumption, and the prevalence of suicide. The inclusion of suicide as a prominent topic underscores the importance of addressing the mental and emotional well-being of individuals across all age groups in the Caribbean. The chapter culminates with a discussion of recommendations aimed at bolstering the overall health and welfare of the Caribbean populace, offering insights into strategies for improving the region’s health outcomes.