Health Study kicks off on Saba

On Monday morning, June 16th, the Commissioner of Health Rolando Wilson opened the large health study that will take place on Saba over the next week.

1000 residents of Saba were randomly selected and invited to participate at one of the two study centers. They will be asked to fill in a questionnaire on chronic diseases, infections, nutrition, lifestyle, etc. A finger prick blood sample and nose/throat swabs will also be taken to learn more about infections and antibiotic resistance on Saba. Participants will receive $25 as a thank you.

The commissioner thanked the RIVM and CBS for their support and hoped that many Sabans would participate. As the last health study was carried out more than 15 years ago, the results will be very helpful in prioritizing health programs and learning about barriers to a healthy life on Saba.
The commissioner stressed that all the information would be treated anonymously.

Dr. Koen Hulshof of the public health department explained that if people cannot make it at the time of their suggested appointment, they can come at any other time during the opening hours. Moreover, to further facilitate participation, the Cool Cab taxi will be available on Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday for those without transportation.
Director of SHCF Dr. Joka Blaauboer stated that they are excited that this vast Health Study will take place this coming week on Saba, for Saba and its people. ‘The study is Sabanized or tailor made with the help of SHCF so that we can look into the occurrences of diseases on our island and see how well protected we are against them, vaccination wise. With this study we can get reliable data; once we know where the problems are they can be better targeted. Please help us make our island more healthy by partaking in this Health Study’.

The opening hours for the study centers are:
Sunny Valley Youth Center: Monday and Friday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Saturday Noon to 7:00 pm.
Eugenius Johnson Center: Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Saturday Noon to 7:00 pm.

The commissioner finished by saying he hoped to see fellow Saban’s taking part in this important study for Saba.

Press release GIS.