Fiji has initiated the third World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise approach to non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factor surveillance, as confirmed by Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu. In a statement made in Parliament, Dr. Lalabalavu noted that this initiative is being backed by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC).
The minister explained that this survey aligns with Fiji’s National Health Strategic Plan and annual operational plan. He highlighted that, for the first time, the Ministry of Health is collaborating with the Fiji Bureau of Statistics to conduct the survey on risk factor behaviors among individuals aged 18-69 years.
Additionally, Dr. Lalabalavu mentioned that Fiji will introduce new modules to the global community, including assessments for cervical cancer, suki and tobacco use, oral health, extended nutrition questions, mental health, and urinalysis, as part of the survey.
By the end of the previous financial year, the survey for the Eastern Division was nearing completion in areas such as Kadavu, Ovalau, Rotuma, and Lakeba in the Lau group. For the current financial year, a budget of $480,000 has been allocated from the Wellness Division to complete the STEPS survey across the Northern, Western, and Central divisions.
Dr. Lalabalavu also referenced prior STEPS surveys conducted in 2002 and 2011, noting significant findings from the latter, which indicated 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, while 70 percent were either overweight or obese.