Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Curtis Martin, has launched a national workshop on monitoring the growth and development of infants and young children, underscoring the urgent need to address childhood stunting, wasting and obesity in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Held at the ICT Centre in the C. A. Paul Southwell Industrial Site from 22nd – 24th July, the three‑day event has gathered health professionals, caregivers and development partners. PS Martin emphasised that growth monitoring is “far more than routine measurement”, charting a path from data collection to early intervention and healthier communities.
Referencing a 2023 CARPHA regional survey, which revealed persistent child malnutrition and obesity across the Caribbean, Martin warned that St. Kitts and Nevis is not immune. He stressed that strengthening local surveillance systems is crucial.
Participants will receive hands-on training in anthropometric measurement techniques, the use of WHO’s 2006 child growth standards, and motivational interviewing strategies to better engage families. The workshop aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 2.2, CARPHA’s Strategic Plan, the Caribbean Cooperation in Health IV framework, and national child health strategies.
PS Martin urged those attending to convert knowledge into action: “By strengthening our capacity in clinics and communities, we will improve the accuracy of child health records and enhance the quality of our national data.” He called for stronger collaboration among nutritionists, midwives, physicians and surveillance teams to ensure no child is overlooked.
CARPHA and PAHO provided technical support, with workshop facilitator, c, praised for her regional expertise. Strengthening food and nutrition surveillance systems (FNSS) remains a regional priority, as outlined in CARPHA capacity-building bulletins.
The Ministry of Health noted in a separate statement that it remains committed to translating the data collected over the course of the workshop into policy reforms and community-centred interventions, marking a significant step in safeguarding the developmental health of the Federation’s youngest citizens.
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