Establishing a disease prevention model

Abstract

Jamaica, as in many other developing as well as developed countries, has passed an era where the major causes of morbidity and mortality have shifted from the non-communicable, infectious diseases. The leading causes of death in Jamaica in 1998 were due to cerebrovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, ischaemic heart disease, and hypertensive disease. It is well known that these diseases in many instances can be prevented through lifestyle changes, and can be detected early through routine screening examinations. However, the prevailing method of healthcare in Jamaica is one that focuses not on disease prevention, but rather on disease cure, such that patients do not present to a physician until they have developed signs and symptoms of a disease. Health care providers emphasize disease treatment, rather than prevention through health education. In 1996, the government of Jamaica, in an effort to place greater emphasis and awareness on the chronic and lifestyle-related diseases, entered into discussions with the government of Japan to establish a disease prevention (“wellness”) model in the southern region of Jamaica through joint technical cooperation. The goal of the project was to establish a model that would offer screening examinations, health education, counseling, and referral for further management for those found to be at risk for chronic and lifestyle-related diseases. It was important that services be geographically accessible and within the financial constraints of most Jamaicans. The project was implemented on June 1, 1998 and joint cooperation was to last for a 5-year period, ending May 31, 2003.