For too long, persons living with noncommunicable diseases (PLWNCDs) and youth have been overlooked in decision-making spaces that directly impact their health and well-being in CARICOM. Their lived experiences provide unique insights that are invaluable for developing responsive and effective health policies and programs—particularly in small island developing states (SIDS), which face the deadly triad of a growing NCD epidemic, the devastating impacts of climate change, and the disproportionate influence of harmful commercial determinants of health. Yet, there are few formal mechanisms that prioritize or support their engagement, and no established guidelines to ensure their meaningful participation.

The Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC) has long championed the call for inclusive, people-centered policymaking. This a core priority in HCCs 2025-2030 Strategic Plan and in HCCs Advocacy Asks developed for the 4th UN High Level Meeting and beyond; and aligns with global priorities, including the WHO’s Agenda Item 11.1 on Social Participation for Universal Health Coverage, Health, and Well-being, the WHO Youth Declaration, and the WHO’s landmark report on the meaningful engagement of PLWNCDs.

In the Caribbean, key challenges persist:

• Few formal mechanisms for participation: Many countries lack structured avenues for PLWNCDs and youth (and CSOs representing these voices) to engage in health policy and decision-making.
• Persistent barriers: Even where opportunities exist, stigma, poor access to information, and limited knowledge of policymaking processes undermine participation.
• Weak integration of youth voices: Mechanisms such as Youth Parliaments and National Youth Councils exist, but their role in health governance remains fragmented and often tokenistic.
• Limited advocacy capacity: PLWNCDs and youth often lack the training, resources, and platforms to effectively influence policy.

The HCC was awarded a grant by the Commonwealth Foundation to ultimately address these key challenges and support youth and young people living with NCDs in CARICOM to engage in health-decision making spaces.

This project strengthens meaningful youth engagement in health decision-making by equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to influence policies and decisions that affect their health.

1. Developing a Guidance Document to support meaningful youth engagement in health decision making.

(to be launched soon!)

2. Building Youth Leadership and Advocacy Capacity

Youth and young people living with NCDs participated in training designed to build their confidence, leadership skills, and capacity to advocate for themselves and the issues they care about while meaningfully participating in health decision-making. In-person training was held in Barbados and St Lucia in April 2026. A virtual training was held in May 2026 for youth across CARICOM.

3. Amplifying Youth Voices Through Advocacy

The project will support youth-led advocacy creating platforms for young people to share their experiences and advocate for greater inclusion in health policy and decision-making.

How?

1. Social Media Campaign (To be launched soon)
2. Meetings with key stakeholders to discuss meaningful engagement
3. Caribbean Youth Voices: Art for Action

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