Pediatrician Dr. Rigamoto Taito is calling upon parents and guardians to prioritize nutrition and healthy living as crucial elements of child development. Following the Pacific and Society Emergency Care meeting in Nadi, Dr. Taito expressed concern about the dual issues of undernutrition and childhood obesity growing simultaneously in Fiji.
She emphasized the need for education around food choices, highlighting the impact of an overwhelming number of advertisements promoting unhealthy options like instant noodles and sugary drinks, which divert families from utilizing locally grown and natural food sources. According to Dr. Taito, both rural and urban communities are grappling with this challenge.
The pediatrician pointed out that while food insecurity contributes to undernutrition, the rising rates of obesity in children are linked to dietary shifts towards processed and convenience foods. To combat these issues, she advocates for a collective societal approach to education and socioeconomic support for families.
Dr. Taito stressed that as Fiji modernizes, prioritizing children’s health must remain at the forefront. By investing in healthcare, education, and policy reforms, the nation has the potential to nurture a healthier and more resilient generation.
This call to prioritization echoes concerns from health officials like Senior Nutritionist Kriti Chand, who has reported rising childhood obesity and associated diseases tied to excessive sugar consumption, particularly from sugary drinks. With non-communicable diseases (NCDs) being responsible for around 80% of deaths in Fiji, a coordinated effort involving education, community engagement, and government support is vital for combating these public health challenges.
There remains hope as the community rallies to encourage healthier lifestyles and diets. By fostering awareness and shared responsibility, Fiji can work towards reversing the troubling trends in health among its youth, ensuring a healthier future for the younger generation.
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