The global MDG 5 target for maternal health is to reduce the number of women who die in pregnancy and childbirth by threequarters between 1990 and 2015. When applying this target to Barbados, maternal mortality should fall to 30 cases per 100,000 live births. In 2013 Barbados had an adjusted maternal mortality ratio of 52 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births (an estimate from UN agencies/World Bank), thus indicating that this target is unlikely to be met. Part of the goal also stipulates that 100 per cent of births must be attended by a skilled health professional – a target that was achieved in 2012. MDG 6 aims for a reduction in the prevalence of HIV, malaria and other diseases. Barbados’ prevalence of HIV has more than doubled since 1990 – in 2012, 0.9 per cent of 15–49 year olds were HIV positive – while the levels of other communicable diseases are low. Estimated TB incidence and mortality (when mortality data excludes cases comorbid with HIV) due to TB have fluctuated but not changed significantly between 1990 and 2012. Work is needed to ensure that HIV/AIDS does not become a generalised epidemic. The UN considers an epidemic as ‘generalised’ when more than one per cent of the population is HIV-positive. For definitions, sources and explanations on the MDGs see page 314. Universal health coverage Roughly a third of health care in Barbados (34 per cent) was paid for by patients or funded by other non-governmental entities – such as private insurers, charities or employers – in 2012. Total health expenditure constituted 6.3 per cent of GDP in 2012, of which 66 per cent (US$615 per capita) is covered by the government. Barbados has a government-provided health service modelled on the National Health Service in the UK. Citizens of Barbados are able to access free, quality health care in health clinics and governmentrun hospitals across the country. Prescriptions, and dental and ophthalmology services are also provided free of charge. Barbados was not an original signatory to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, but acceded to it in 1976 and has written the covenant into law. It includes ‘the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health’. The covenant commits signees to providing healthy and hygienic environmental conditions, controlling epidemic diseases, improving child health and facilitating access to health services without discrimination. B a r b a d o s Care of the elderly: Approximately 31,000 people in Barbados are over the age of 65 – 11 per cent of the total population (2013). At the age of 60 a person living in Bangladesh can be expected to live for an additional 20 years on average. The Non-Contributory Old Age Pension was introduced in 1937. Today, monthly payment credits are paid by the state at a rate of US$299 per person (2007–12) on a means-tested basis. Barbados has the general health profile and life expectancy of a developed country and, like the developed world, has been challenged by an ageing population. There are high-quality nursing and elderly care services available at nursing homes and retirement centres across Barbados. The Pan American Health Organization Population over 65 (PAHO) has officially endorsed Barbados for its capabilities to provide quality nursing and elderly care services. The Barbados Elderly Care Association (BECA) is a non-profit organisation representing the elderly care sector in Barbados. In 2013 BECA began developing a policy document for owners of nursing and residential homes to outline standards of care. The Barbados Alzheimer’s Association is a charitable organisation that provides medical information concerning Alzheimer’s disease and is committed to providing support services for those who suffer with Alzheimer’s disease, and their families. Further information Ministry of Health: www.health.gov.bb Commonwealth Health Online:www.commonwealth health.org/health/americas/barbados Commonwealth Health Partnerships 2015 147 11%
Commonwealth Health Partnerships 2015
To see the actual publication please follow the link above