Fiji Unites NGOs to Tackle NCDs with New Wellness Coalition

Counterstroke Fiji has highlighted a significant challenge in their country: many individuals remain unaware of where to turn for support regarding non-communicable diseases (NCDs). To combat this issue, President Elizabeth Fong announced the organization’s commitment to enhancing the Fiji Wellness Coalition. This coalition unites various non-government organizations that work at the grassroots level to tackle NCDs head-on in communities.

Fong emphasized that the coalition’s collaborative efforts aim to leverage shared resources and expertise, which can significantly improve education, support, and awareness regarding NCDs. This initiative seeks to empower individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices, thereby diminishing the prevalence and impact of these diseases across Fiji.

Moreover, the coalition aspires to engage communities in taking charge of their health by advocating preventive practices and fostering a stronger culture of wellness throughout the nation. Fong referenced the upcoming World Diabetes Day as an excellent platform for cooperation, pointing out that unifying efforts will amplify messages related to various health concerns.

She asserted that the fight against NCDs is a collective responsibility, affecting people of all ages, and called for communities to have active roles in prevention and awareness initiatives. Margaret Reid-Rounds, Chair of the NGO Coalition, echoed this sentiment, expressing that the coalition plays a crucial role in disseminating information that benefits the wider community.

Reid-Rounds expressed the shared passion among coalition members to collaborate effectively, representing this unity in the logo of the Fiji Wellness Coalition, which symbolizes people holding hands in support of one another. By connecting various organizations and pooling resources and knowledge, the coalition aims to ensure that accurate health information reaches every corner of the community, empowering local leaders, and inspiring collective action to address and manage non-communicable diseases effectively.

This initiative reflects a hopeful and proactive approach to improving public health in Fiji, acknowledging the shared responsibility in advancing community wellness and fostering a more informed and healthier population.