HEALTH IN THE CARIBBEAN

Through which eras is health in the Caribbean examined?

Health in the Caribbean is examined through five main eras:

• Pre-Columbian Era – Before European contact, characterized by the absence of infectious diseases.

• Columbian Era – Arrival of Europeans introduced infectious diseases.

• Slave Society – The transatlantic slave trade led to high mortality among enslaved Africans.

• Post-Emancipation Era – Health conditions worsened due to urban migration and poor sanitation.

• Post-Independence Era – Reduction in communicable diseases but an increase in non-communicable diseases.

What were the main health-related issues during the Pre-Columbian Era?

During the Pre-Columbian Era, the main health issues were:

• Malnutrition due to dietary deficiencies.

• Accidents from hunting and fishing.

• High maternal mortality due to childbirth.

• Deaths from natural disasters.

How did European contact impact the health of the indigenous populations?

European contact had a devastating impact on indigenous health due to:

• Introduction of infectious diseases such as smallpox, measles, dysentery, and venereal diseases.

• Forced relocation to plantations, which led to malnutrition and weakened immune systems.

• Wars and diseases that resulted in population decimation.

What were the major health challenges faced by enslaved Africans during the Slave Society era?

Enslaved Africans faced severe health challenges, including:

• High mortality during the Middle Passage due to malnutrition, unsanitary conditions, violence, and suicide.

• Diseases such as measles, malaria, smallpox, and dysentery on plantations.

• European settlers also suffered from malaria and yellow fever, brought from Africa.

How did health conditions change after the abolition of slavery?

After emancipation, health conditions remained poor due to:

• Migration to urban areas, leading to overcrowded, unsanitary living conditions.

• Widespread diseases such as cholera, dysentery, smallpox, malaria, yellow fever, and tuberculosis.

• Lack of drainage, inadequate water supply, and unreliable garbage disposal.

• High rates of parasitic infections, malnutrition, and untreated venereal diseases like syphilis and gonorrhea.

How did public health efforts evolve in the Post-Emancipation Era?

• Colonial governments attempted to establish public health systems.

• However, poor infrastructure and lack of medical personnel limited effectiveness.

• High mortality rates continued due to preventable diseases.

What were the major health improvements in the Post-Independence Era?

• Efforts to diversify economies led to better healthcare infrastructure.

• Communicable diseases were controlled with the help of organizations like WHO and PAHO.

• However, new health challenges arose with an increase in non-communicable diseases.

What are the most common non-communicable diseases in the Caribbean today?

• Diabetes

• Hypertension

• Stroke

• Cancers

• Heart disease

• Obesity
  These are often linked to unhealthy diets, smoking, excessive alcohol use, and lack of exercise.