Health care expenses related to deaths and disabilities caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes and obesity-related conditions, were estimated at $591 million in 2019.
During a ministerial statement in Parliament, Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu highlighted that NCDs remained the primary health challenge for Fijians, accounting for 80 percent of all deaths and 40 percent of premature deaths in the nation.
According to the recently released Republic of Fiji Vital Statistics Report for 2016 to 2021, the leading causes of death among both men and women across all ages were circulatory diseases, such as hypertension, heart disease, and stroke, as well as diabetes and cancer.
For adults aged 35 to 59 years, non-communicable diseases were identified as the top causes of mortality. Dr. Lalabalavu pointed out that NCDs also place a considerable burden on the healthcare system and society overall. The majority of admissions to health facilities in Fiji were due to NCDs and their complications.
He noted that complications arising from NCDs, such as coronary artery disease, strokes, kidney diseases, and vision impairment, often necessitate surgical interventions, including amputations. These health issues bring patients to hospitals daily, requiring continuous care in Fiji’s health facilities.
Dr. Lalabalavu indicated that 95 percent of NCDs stem from lifestyle choices. The four main modifiable risk factors include tobacco use, physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet high in salt, sugar, fat, and processed foods, and excessive alcohol consumption.
These unhealthy lifestyle habits result in four key health conditions that increase the risk of NCDs: elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, high cholesterol, and obesity.
The Fiji 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey revealed concerning dietary habits among older children, adolescents, and adults, marked by low consumption of nutritious foods and high intake of sugar and sweetened beverages. The survey also found that approximately one-third of children in Fiji, aged 5 to 19 years, were classified as overweight.
Dr. Lalabalavu warned that failure to address these intermediate risk factors could lead to the onset of NCDs.