Tobacco-related illnesses impose a significant economic burden on Fiji, costing the nation an estimated $319 million each year. This figure represents about 2.7 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is linked to the tragic loss of more than 1,200 lives annually.
A recent report by the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the UNDP and WHO, calls attention to the pressing need for comprehensive tobacco control measures. The findings reveal that approximately one in three Fijians smoke, with the prevalence notably higher among men—around 50 percent of men compared to 14 percent of women.
Minister for Health Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu stressed that tobacco use is a significant public health issue in Fiji, impacting both the health of individuals and the nation’s economy. He emphasized that tobacco control plays a crucial role in the country’s strategy to combat non-communicable diseases, which are major obstacles to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in relation to good health and well-being.
The report outlines several actionable recommendations, including increasing taxes on tobacco products and strengthening national multisectoral tobacco control efforts through the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. While Dr. Lalabalavu acknowledged the challenges of enforcing these recommendations, he affirmed the government’s commitment to addressing tobacco use.
UNDP Resident Representative Munkhtuya Altangerel highlighted the alarming tobacco use statistics and described the report’s evaluation of the health and economic costs of implementing key tobacco control measures. Altangerel noted, “By addressing tobacco control with determination, we not only save lives but also build a healthier, more equitable, and prosperous Fiji for everyone.”
Experts suggest that by reinforcing tobacco control measures, Fiji can foster a healthier environment, mitigate the impact of tobacco-related diseases, and progress toward its developmental objectives.
Implementing these strategies not only seeks to enhance public health but also promises a better economic future for the nation, showing that comprehensive tobacco control can lead to meaningful improvements in both individual lives and the broader community.
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