The STEPS survey will start on March 4, 2023, and end on May 27, 2023. STEPS is a national health survey to give the Government a better overview of the health state of the population with the collected data.
The last health survey held in Aruba was in 2006.
STEPS is a survey similar to a Census, particularly about health. The survey consists of lots of health-related questions.
They suspect that 80% of the Aruban population is overweight. Therefore, the survey will include the BMI measurement of the participants. During the survey, they will also check their blood pressure and blood glucose level at home. These will provide the authorities with a better indication of the percentage of the community at risk for non-communicable diseases. Since 2020, Aruba has had a national prevention plan for non-communicable diseases created with the help of all stakeholders and guided by the PAHO. Aruba is one of the few countries in the Caribbean with a national prevention plan. Its implementation should have been in 2020, but the pandemic delayed the speed of its execution.
The Ministry of Health's policy is to invest in healthcare, mainly prevention. They introduced the law “LV Limitation tobacco products”, essential in the national prevention plan for non-communicable diseases. They introduced programs like Jump18 and healthy schools. Recently the Healthy Lifestyle center opened its doors to the community.
Prevention in healthcare is crucial for the quality of life in our community. The minister believes in prevention and awareness campaigns for a healthier lifestyle. To create awareness about the importance of eating healthy, exercising daily, and doing regular health checkups on time. Aruba is reaching its goal of more efficient, effective, and sustainable healthcare. The minister thanked the Department of Public Health for their hard work. STEPS2023 will surely be successful.
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