Fiji has officially launched the third World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise approach to non-communicable diseases (NCD) risk factor surveillance, as confirmed by the Minister for Health, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu.
During a parliamentary session, Dr. Lalabalavu highlighted that this initiative is being supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC). He stated that the survey aligns with Fiji’s National Health Strategic Plan and its annual operational objectives.
“For the first time, the ministry is collaborating with the Fiji Bureau of Statistics to conduct a survey examining risk factor behaviors among individuals aged 18 to 69 years,” the minister noted.
Additionally, he indicated that Fiji will be introducing new modules in this survey, which include cervical cancer, substance use, oral health, expanded nutrition questions, mental health assessments, and urinalysis. “These new modules under the STEPS survey showcase Fiji’s commitment to driving comprehensive health assessments,” he said.
Dr. Lalabalavu also mentioned that, as of the end of the last financial year, the Eastern Division survey was nearing completion in areas such as Kadavu, Ovalau, Rotuma, and Lakeba in Lau.
For this financial year, a budget of $480,000 has been allocated from the Wellness Division to finalize the STEPS survey in the Northern, Western, and Central divisions.
Previous STEPS surveys were conducted in 2002 and 2011. The 2011 survey results revealed that 30 percent of adults smoked tobacco daily, 85 percent consumed fewer than five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, and 32 percent of respondents were classified as obese, with 70 percent falling into the overweight and obese categories.