About
The St. Lucia Diabetes & Hypertension Association (SLDHA) was conceptualised in August 1983 and nationally launched in April 1989. It was established to attend to the welfare of people with diabetes and hypertension in St. Lucia, as well as to provide service to the general public.
SLDHA is a non-profit organization of voluntary committee members. The organisation is governed by the Executive Committee and staffed by an Executive Director, nurse, and administrative support. The SLDHA features a walk-in-clinic in Castries, open Monday through Friday.
The vision of SLDHA is to become the the focal institution contributing to the education, awareness, and eradication of diabetes and hypertension in St. Lucia. Despite national interest at the forefront, the organisation’s reach is limited by physical location. Because the staff and clinic are in Castries, direct services are often limited to those with the ability to come into the Castries office. Health fairs, educational sessions, and other public outreach allow SLDHA to reach more individuals, but on an infrequent basis.
Main Focus
- To raise awareness of the problems of diabetes and hypertension
- To contribute to the prevention and eradication of diabetes and hypertension in St. Lucia
Activities
SLDHA participates in public health fairs, walks, presents at schools and in communities, and assists in community group activities involving people with diabetes. Staff and volunteers conduct screenings for blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, and body mass index.
SLDHA regularly participates in radio programmes to educate the public on health risks involved with diabetes and hypertension.
SLDHA formally launched its diabetes registry in 2010 with the assistance of local health care providers. The database incorporates demographic information with health profiles for individuals throughout the country and can be analysed to identify chief causes, complications, and prevalence
SLDHA regularly hosts screenings, health walks, and both radio and television programmes to educate individuals and communities for World Diabetes Day.
Message from the President
“The St. Lucia Diabetes and Hypertension Association (SLDHA) is proud to be a member of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Our membership is not just a partnership—it is a commitment to the global fight against diabetes, ensuring that persons living with the condition in St. Lucia benefit from the wealth of knowledge, advocacy, and resources that IDF provides. One of the most significant advantages of being part of IDF is the capacity-building opportunities it offers. Through training programs, conferences, and shared experiences, we are able to enhance the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals and community leaders, ensuring that diabetes care in St. Lucia meets international standards.
The ability to learn from and exchange best practices with other member associations strengthens our efforts in prevention, early detection, and management of diabetes, ultimately improving the quality of life for those affected. Our collaboration with IDF also enables us to amplify our advocacy efforts on a national and international scale. With the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in the Caribbean, we must work collectively to push for policies that ensure better access to essential medications, screening programmes, and support services. IDF provides us with a platform to raise our voices, share our unique regional experiences, and contribute to shaping global diabetes strategies.Through continued collaboration, knowledge exchange, and advocacy, we will continue working towards a future where no one in St. Lucia feels alone in their journey with diabetes.”