The Public Health Association of Fiji (PHAF) has welcomed the publication of the Fiji 2025 STEPS Survey, highlighting that its findings indicate a critical need for urgent national action to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which have reached alarming levels.
PHAF President Dr. Lepani Waqatakirewa praised the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and the Government for prioritizing evidence-based health decisions. “The findings confirm what families and communities across Fiji experience daily — NCDs present a national health, social, and economic emergency that requires collective action,” Dr. Waqatakirewa stated.
The survey reveals that an astonishing 98.5 percent of adults aged 18 to 69 have at least one significant NCD risk factor, with nearly half of them carrying three or more. Additionally, more than two-thirds of adults are classified as overweight or obese, with hypertension and diabetes remaining prevalent, and the long-term treatment and management of these conditions is considered “unacceptably low.”
Dr. Waqatakirewa emphasized that these issues are not solely individual choices; they are influenced by food systems, environmental conditions, commercial factors, and policy frameworks. In response, PHAF fully supports MHMS’s call for a comprehensive societal approach that includes enhancing primary health care, implementing effective food and fiscal policies, expanding wellness programs, and utilizing the STEPS data as a tool for accountability.
He urged for decisive leadership, enhanced partnerships across different sectors, and solutions centered around community needs. “Failure to act decisively will cost lives, reduce productivity, and undermine national resilience. Conversely, successful initiatives will foster a healthier future for generations to come,” Dr. Waqatakirewa asserted.
PHAF reiterated its dedication to collaborating with the Government and other partners to transform evidence into impactful and sustainable action, fostering hope for significant improvements in public health in Fiji.
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