Responsibilities and Functions

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healthpromotion@dominica.gov.dm

Responsibilities and Functions

Responsibilities

The responsibilies of the unit are best defined through the unit's Terms of Reference :

Assess local health needs

Contribute to operational and strategic plans

Review programmes to ensure that they seek to promote health

Define health promotion and disease prevention strategies to be included in the national socio-economic development process

Promote healthy living though advocacy for healthy public policy, public education and healthy community projects to create supportive environments

Manage Health Education programmes on specific issues such as HIV/AIDS, Nutrition, Chronic Non Communicable and Communicable Disease and other health related issues

Provide training, support and counseling to all Health Care Providers and agencies who provide Health Promotion and Family Life Education programmes

Functions

The Centre is a catalyst to provide or facilitate the performance of the following functions:

Define health promotion and disease prevention strategies to be included as a critical aspect of the national socio-economic development process.

Provide advice on the health impact of national socio-economic development projects.

Assist in the formulation of national policies and programmes to promote and ensure healthy environments.

Assist in the formulation of national policies and plans to enhance the nutrition status of the population.

Negotiate with international funding agencies to ensure that health projects are formulated with a strong health promotion, protection and disease prevention component.

Establish inter-sectorial linkages with other sectors and agencies to ensure the well-being concept e.g. Ministries of Education, Agriculture, Community Development etc.

Strengthen the health promotion capabilities within the Ministry of Health through seminars, workshops and technical guidance.

Develop and implement strategies and programmes for the involvement of communities in health promotion and protection programmes e.g. exercise and fitness for healthy living, proper nutritional practices, “substance free zones”.

Promote through public education and community projects the importance of healthy lifestyles and individual responsibility for health.

Collaborate with the Princess Margaret Hospital and District Health Services in the planning and implementation of Family Life Education Programmes e.g.