Ateca Kama, Chief Dietitian, has voiced the urgent need for enhanced authority for dietitians and nutritionists in Fiji to effectively monitor and regulate unhealthy food products. Speaking to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, she highlighted this necessity, particularly concerning items high in sugar, salt, and fat which are contributing to the nation’s escalating health crisis.
Kama pointed out that while the National Food and Nutrition Center is charged with drafting food regulations, the enforceable power resides with the Ministry’s Food Unit, which currently limits proactive intervention. She emphasized, “We need the manpower or perhaps become authorized officers to look at these processed foods.” Advocacy alone, she noted, is no longer sufficient, hinting at the need for a collaborative effort with other ministries, especially agriculture, to encourage the cultivation of nutritious, iron-rich foods to address prevalent health issues such as anemia.
The stark health issues facing Fiji are underscored by alarming statistics from the Ministry of Health, which reports that over fifty percent of the population is overweight. The leading causes of death in the country include non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, evidencing the critical situation that demands immediate and effective regulatory measures.
These statements from Kama align with previous discussions within the government and health sectors regarding the importance of addressing dietary patterns and promoting overall health. Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu has been vocal about the dire need for reassessing diet choices among Fijians, asserting that more than three-quarters of the population do not adhere to the World Health Organization’s nutritional guidelines. This echoes the sentiments expressed in earlier reports that advocated for community-driven approaches to improve health outcomes.
The convergence of these discussions highlights a broader concern for Fiji’s health landscape, urging coordinated action from policy-makers, health advocates, and the community at large. By empowering dietitians with the necessary authority to lead these initiatives, Fiji stands a chance to pivot towards a healthier future, addressing the ongoing challenges of nutrition-related health issues. The collective movements towards better health infrastructure and awareness are promising steps toward strengthening the country’s public health system and providing families with access to nutritious food.
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