Tuesday, July 29, 2025
July 25, 2025, Nassau, The Bahamas - The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Country Office for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands strengthened collaboration with the Bahamas Diabetes Association (BDA) through focused engagement on mental health. On Saturday, July 19, 2025, Dr. Anton Best, a PAHO/WHO Advisor, delivered a presentation on "Mental Health and Wellbeing in Children with Type 1 Diabetes" at a general meeting held at Sybil Strachan Primary School. Dr. Best emphasized the intersection between chronic disease and emotional wellbeing in young persons, drawing from recent results of the 2025 Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS), which noted growing public health concerns in The Bahamas regarding mental health, particularly among youth. The session highlighted psychological burdens such as anxiety, social isolation, and diabetes-related distress. Dr. Best advocated for early mental health promotion through positive coping strategies, including physical activity, peer support, creative expression, and mindfulness. The presentation was well-received by families and association members, sparking discussions on how to support children navigating the demands of diabetes. Dr. Boisson, the PAHO/WHO Representative for The Bahamas, commended the BDA for its ongoing initiatives, such as the summer camp, and reaffirmed PAHO’s commitment to advancing child health and mental wellbeing through technical cooperation.
Reference: PAHO/WHO Bahamas Reinforces Support for Children with Type 1 Diabetes Through Mental Health AdvocacyLabels: PAHO
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