Purpose of review: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease (CVD), are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the Caribbean. In response to this growing epidemic, regional and global organizations mandated the collection of real-time and accurate population health data to address surveillance health data gaps. The purpose of this review was to assess surveillance activities implemented in the Caribbean region from 2006 to 2016 and the availability of widely disseminated CVD surveillance data.
Recent findings: A review of surveillance activities in the region in 2011 showed modest progress in compliance with NCD-related mandates. Our study found that few (12%) countries implemented surveillance surveys yearly and 39% implemented surveys two or more times during 2006-2016. Sixty-four percent of countries included in our review collected data on the six recommended CVD risk factors.
Summary: Future efforts to generate consistent and timely surveillance data may require collaborative approaches to implement, interpret, and translate surveillance data.
Keywords: Cardiovascular disease; Caribbean; Non-communicable disease; Surveillance.