The Health Minister of Fiji, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, has issued a clarion call for all Fijians to take a stand against tobacco use, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the health crisis that it presents. Speaking in Levuka to mark World No Tobacco Day, he revealed that an alarming 18% of adults and 14% of teenagers between the ages of 13 to 17 in Fiji have tried tobacco products, with more than 1,200 deaths attributed to tobacco use each year.
Dr. Lalabalavu highlighted that tobacco consumption significantly burdens the national healthcare system, with nearly 11% of all hospital admissions being linked to tobacco-related illnesses. The minister pointed out that alongside the health toll, the broader economic implications are striking, estimating that strong tobacco control measures could save Fiji over $32 million in health costs over 15 years.
This includes alleviating the government’s burden of approximately $22 million in healthcare costs and offering ordinary Fijians another $5 million in reduced out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare. To combat this pressing issue, Dr. Lalabalavu urged the implementation of five key strategies: increasing tobacco taxes, enforcing smoke-free public spaces, implementing plain packaging for tobacco products, banning all forms of tobacco advertising, and providing support for those wishing to quit smoking.
Reflecting on the government’s comprehensive approach, it’s noteworthy that just last year, Dr. Lalabalavu’s ministry collaborated with the UNDP and WHO to present a report that underscored these recommendations. Notably, the collective effort aims not only to improve individual health outcomes but to enhance the overall economic stability by reducing the direct and indirect costs associated with tobacco-related illnesses.
The commitment of Fiji’s government towards strengthening tobacco control highlights a positive trajectory towards a healthier future for its citizens. By engaging the community in awareness and prevention initiatives, the hope remains that the country can significantly diminish the prevalence of tobacco and cultivate a more robust and vibrant population.
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