Works and Infrastructure Minister Jack Warner acted as Prime Minister in her absence until her return on Monday.
The high-level meeting addressed the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases worldwide, with a particular focus on developmental and other challenges and social and economic impacts, particularly for developing countries.
In a statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister, adviser on public engagements, Lisa Ghany, said Persad-Bissessar also participated in the interactive panel discussion on the achievements and challenges in the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases.
The panel discussion was hosted by Heads of State and Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) in collaboration with PAHO/WHO.
Ghany said Trinidad and Tobago was instrumental in placing non-communicable diseases on the agenda of the General Assembly and ensuring that it continued to receive the attention of the global community.
“These diseases account for about 60 per cent of all deaths worldwide,” Ghany said.
“Approximately 80 per cent of these occur in low and middle income developing countries and these deaths globally are expected to increase by 17 per cent over the next ten years. Her participation places our country in a pivotal position to influence global and hemispheric debates on this subject.”
Ghany said Persad-Bissessar’s attendance at these events enhances Trinidad and Tobago’s reputation as a country committed to reducing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases among its population.
She said the issue was raised by Persad-Bissessar in her maiden address at last year’s General Assembly and is in keeping with the efforts of Trinidad and Tobago to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
“Discussions will centre on ways of dealing with the treatment of, for example, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic resspiratory diseases and diabetes."
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