Social Security Week 2011
Social Security in the Americas will be observing the first Social Security Week by way of an international conference in Mexico City, from Wednesday 27th to Friday 29th April, 2011. This year’s theme is entitled “Promoting a Global Prevention Culture.
Based on the Declaration of Guatemala, the purpose of this event is to promote collaboration and dialogue in the Americas region and to encourage the development of inclusive social protection system. The Declaration calls on national stakeholders and international organizations to intensify their efforts in the fields of information and coordination and invites countries to declare the last week of April each year as a “Social Security Week”.
This year’s programme of the Social Security Week will address a range of key themes of interest to social security institutions in the region, including:
- Health promotion and its impact on social security systems
- Safety and health at work
- Active ageing
- The role of education and culture for social security.
Over the years, the St. Kitts and Nevis Social Security Board has been working assiduously in promoting a local prevention culture.
In health promotion and its impact on Social Security systems, we have partnered with public and private stakeholders with a view of sensitizing the nation on Health Issues. A series of symposiums, free health clinic for the general public, annually donations towards the health sector and panel discussions has been executed in support of the same.
In safety and health at work the same level of effort has been carried out with the coordination of the signing of a resolution by various entities within St. Kitts and Nevis. These entities committed to setting the stage for the continued partnership of stakeholders to share valuable information and experiences and perhaps mentor each other in dealing with health and safety concerns within the Federation.
The process has continued over the years with annual activities promoting active aging. Social Security has provided many opportunities to choose an active life including the following:
- Healthy lifestyle presentations for diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure and other conditions
- Nutrition and lifestyles presentations
- Presentation on planning for retirement
- Health and fitness assessments
- Games and challenges
- Walks and hikes and
- Health fairs
Social Security continues to offer a response to the economic development based on education and cultural needs, reaffirming the important role that Social Security plays, not only in fighting against poverty but also as a buffer against crisis and a driver of economic performance. Our contributions to education through various scholarships have impacted approximately 200 persons over the years.
This first Social Security Week coincides with the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on 28th April 2011 and the topic of occupational risk prevention will consequently be given particular attention. In next week episode of Social Security Five we will address the issues relating to Safety and Health at work.
The Social Security Week of the Americas is an initiative of the International Social Security Association (ISSA), the Ibero-American Organization of Social Security (OISS), the Inter-American Conference on Social Security (CISS), and the International Labour Organization (ILO). For additional information on this topic you may visit the website of the International Social Security Association at www.issa.int.