Health and Social Development 

Healthy and Empowered People with Improved Quality of Life for All Ages

The Cayman Islands Government is focused on improving health and social development by ensuring Caymanians have access to affordable healthcare, essential services and opportunities that support overall wellbeing. This includes strengthening the healthcare system, expanding social support services, and supporting families across all stages of life. 

This Broad Outcome brings together efforts to improve access to quality, affordable healthcare, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and enhance community and social services. It includes the development of a National Health Strategy, improved management of chronic diseases through initiatives such as HEARTS, expanded support for persons with disabilities, and increased investment in youth development, community wellness and enrichment programmes. It also focuses on creating integrated systems of care for older persons, combining healthcare, in-home services and social engagement. 

By taking a people-centred approach, Government is working to improve quality of life, support vulnerable populations, and ensure Caymanians can live healthier, more stable and fulfilling lives.  

How Government Is Delivering This Priority 

  1. Affordable, accessible healthcare: Develop a comprehensive healthcare system with modern standards that improves mental and physical health outcomes for all. 

  2. Holistic approach to eldercare: Integrate healthcare, social and community services to enhance the well-being and quality of life of older persons.

  3. Equip and empower our youth: Invest in education, skills development, mentorship and innovation to enable youth to thrive and shape Cayman’s future. 

Specific Outcomes 

Provide affordable and accessible health services for all vulnerable Caymanians. 
Enhance and create Public Health Programmes that improve health outcomes for all. 
Create a national framework to measure and monitor the standards and quality of care for all.  
Ensure the Cayman Islands has a modern regulatory framework for the healthcare system. 
Promote physical health and social development by providing the necessary infrastructure, equipment and coaching for organised youth sports programmes. 
Facilitate enrichment, social development and life skills programmes for children and young adults. 
Develop and maintain community wellness initiatives to reduce the incidence of preventable chronic illnesses. 
Develop a comprehensive elder care system that combines high-quality healthcare, in-home care services, and social engagement programmes for older persons. 
Develop and implement a comprehensive National Health Strategy and Plan to improve physical and mental health outcomes across communities. 
Develop and implement a legislative framework to protect and support the well-being and inclusion of all vulnerable adults.

Key Projects and Initiatives

Packaged Support Services:
implementing integrated support to address common barriers to employment like childcare and transportation. 
 
Launch HEARTS Initiative: 
improving the prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases by targeting hypertension control. 
Implement the National Health Strategy: 
outlining a comprehensive vision for the health system to be more resilient and inclusive. 
 
Safeguard Vulnerable People: 
monitoring and reviewing the Child Safeguarding framework and introducing adult safeguarding. 
 
 
Develop National Mental Health Policy: 
introducing new policies on youth mental health and building on existing youth mental health programmes. 
 
Launch Community Wellness Initiatives:
using sports for all ages and abilities to reduce medical issues, obesity and support an active lifestyle. 
 
Implement Youth Empowerment Plan: 
enhancing the programmes of the Youth Services Unit and encouraging young entrepreneurs. 
Bolster Social Development Legislation: 
strengthening legal protections and support systems for vulnerable populations. 
 
Enact the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, 2025: 
implementing policies and programmes to advance equity in the Cayman Islands. 
Promote an Age-Friendly Society: 
creating comprehensive programmes and policies that enable older persons to actively participate in society. 

Priority in Progress 

Move IT Cayman: National Movement Challenge

#MoveItCayman is the national movement challenge spearheaded by MHES aimed at empowering the nation to get moving!

Proud of Them

The Proud of Them National Youth Recognition Awards celebrate and publicly honour the achievements of young Caymanians across all districts who are making outstanding contributions in the Cayman Islands.

News

Strategic Priorities 2026-2028

This priority is one of seven strategic areas guiding the Government's work from 2026 to 2028. Healthy, empowered people are at the centre of every national priority. Strong health and social systems reduce pressure on other public services, improve economic participation and build the kind of cohesive, resilient communities that Cayman aspires to be.

Read the full Strategic Policy Statement 2026-2028
 
Click the icons below to explore Government priorities. 

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