New York, USA – The Dominican Republic was recognized this Wednesday with the 2024 NCD Task Force Award.
The award was received by the Minister of Health, Víctor Atallah, during his participation in the activities held at the UN General Assembly, held in New York.
Upon receiving the award, the Minister stressed that these initiatives represent a giant and decisive step in the fight against non-communicable diseases, placing the country at the forefront of public health policies.
“It is an honor and a privilege, on behalf of my country, to receive this award given by the NCD Task Force to our ‘Healthy and Tasty’ initiative, which is distinguished by its pioneering concept of the Glycemic Index in the Dominican Republic, being a tool that not only promotes healthy habits, but does so while respecting and celebrating our rich culinary tradition,” said the Minister of Health.
The Minister also highlighted the progress made in cardiovascular care, thanks to the “More Health and More Life Expectancy” programme of the HEARTS strategy, which aims to prevent and control non-communicable diseases. This effort reflects the joint and innovative approach that has been adopted in the strategy for the prevention and care of these diseases.
Atallah stressed that based on a local approach, local products have been used and diets have been adapted to current nutritional needs and due to this collaboration with specialized societies, nutritionists and international research centers, the perception of health has been transformed, raising awareness about nutrition, balancing taste and health in a sustainable way.
The Minister of Health also highlighted that the country continues to advance in the implementation of the initiative, with nutritional education campaigns in communities, schools and health centers, which has generated improvements in health indicators and a cultural change in the relationship between the population’s health and food.
“This award recognises all those who have contributed to the success of these strategies. It is an impetus to continue moving forward and building a healthier society, based on innovation, commitment and collaboration,” said the minister.
Prior to the recognition, Atallah spoke at an event hosted by the Business Council for International Understanding at the Westin New York Grand Central, addressing the topic of “Strengthening Healthcare Capacity in Cardiovascular Disease: Investing in Health Technologies to Improve Patient and Society Outcomes, with Stroke as a Key Example.”
She also participated in the Annual Meeting of the Friends of the UN Inter-Agency Working Group, held at the Lexington Hotel in New York, focusing on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and mental health: “Legislative, fiscal and regulatory measures to achieve the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals related to non-communicable diseases and mental health”.
During these activities, Atallah was accompanied by Dr. Andelys de La Rosa, Director of the Department of Non-Communicable Diseases of the Ministry of Health.
The Minister of Health accompanies President Luis Abinader in the framework of the 79th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, as part of a day that includes various activities, developed from last Sunday, September 22 to September 26 in New York.
