A digital health initiative aimed at identifying people at risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Saint Lucia has screened approximately 23 000 individuals, surpassing its original target of 20 000 four months before the March 2027 deadline.
The i-Screen app was developed by Saint Lucia’s Health Information Unit in collaboration with Cathay General Hospital in Taiwan and the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF). It is a digital tool used to collect and manage health information and screen for chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity.
Speaking to St Lucia Times following an international health seminar convened by the Taiwan Technical Mission, the mission’s Project Manager Jessica Wu outlined the achievements of the four-year initiative, which began in 2023 and is scheduled to conclude in March 2027.
“The original target for the screening was 20 000 individuals by March 2027. We are pleased to report that this target has already been surpassed, with approximately 23 000 individuals screened to date,” she said.
Wu explained that the app helps identify people who may be at high risk of developing NCDs. Those flagged during screening are referred for further medical assessment and evaluation, as well as appropriate follow-up care.
It was initially introduced at 22 health facilities but has since expanded.
“As implementation progressed, coverage expanded, and the programme is now being utilised across 30 health facilities, extending access to screening services within the targeted communities,” Wu said.
The i-Screen application has also been integrated into the Saint Lucia Health Information System (SLUHIS), which is available at designated Wellness Centres.
Wu said this allows screening information to be shared with and accessed through the health information system, helping to improve record-keeping, data management and continuity of care.
The application has also been upgraded to include a Wound Management module, which allows healthcare workers to assess, document and monitor wounds, particularly in patients who require continued care and follow-up.
Wu said the technology could potentially be introduced in other Caribbean countries.
“However, any decision regarding its adoption or expansion would ultimately rest with the respective countries, based on their needs and priorities,” she told St Lucia Times.
The seminar, held at Harbor Club under the theme “Chronic Disease Management and Digital Health Opportunities: From Local Practice to Regional Cooperation”, was organised by the Taiwan Technical Mission in Saint Lucia in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition. It brought together regional public health leaders, technical experts and other stakeholders to share experiences and discuss ways to improve the prevention and management of chronic metabolic diseases.
Participants also examined how digital technology could be better integrated into healthcare services and reviewed preliminary findings from the i-Screen initiative.
Speaking at the opening, Senior Medical Officer Dr Marlon Ragunanan said the gathering provided an opportunity “to explore how we can improve the prevention, detection and management of chronic diseases through stronger health care services, effective partnership and a thoughtful, full application of digital technology in 2026”.
He highlighted Taiwan’s assistance with a capacity-building project focused on the prevention and control of chronic metabolic diseases in Saint Lucia. The initiative has included training programmes, local workshops, community activities and health screenings.
“Screening leads to timely assessment, appropriate treatment and reliable follow-up. Digital health offers practical support through this work, through the i-Screen initiative…which has strengthened the collection and management of screening information,” Dr Ragunanan said.
Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, H.E. Nicole Su, described the seminar as an important discussion, saying it was about more than disease management and digital tools.
“It is a celebration of our shared journey, our close partnership and our common vision for a healthier future,” she said.
“Further, by connecting community screening results with the Saint Lucia National Health Information System, we are hoping to facilitate the prevention and the management of these NCDs,” Ambassador Su added.
