Fiji has officially launched the third World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance (STEPS), as confirmed by the Minister for Health, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu. During a session in Parliament, Dr. Lalabalavu stated that this initiative is being supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC).
The survey aligns with Fiji’s National Health Strategic Plan and annual operational objectives. For the first time, the ministry has partnered with the Fiji Bureau of Statistics to conduct the survey, which targets risk factor behaviors among individuals aged 18 to 69.
In a significant development, Fiji will also introduce specialized modules during this survey, including a cervical cancer module, a suki and tobacco module, an oral health module, expanded nutrition questions, mental health modules, and urinalysis. Dr. Lalabalavu expressed pride in Fiji’s role in creating and piloting these comprehensive assessment modules.
According to the minister, the survey for the Eastern Division is nearing completion with data collection in areas such as Kadavu, Ovalau, Rotuma, and Lakeba in the Lau group, funded by a $480,000 allocation from the Wellness Division for the current financial year covering the Northern, Western, and Central divisions.
Previous STEPS surveys were conducted in 2002 and 2011. The 2011 survey highlighted concerning statistics, including that 30% of adults smoked tobacco daily, while 85% reported consuming fewer than five servings of fruits and/or vegetables per day. Additionally, it found that 32% of respondents were classified as obese, with 70% either overweight or obese.