Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are a significant financial burden for Fiji, costing approximately $600 million annually in both direct and indirect costs, such as lost productivity. According to the World Bank’s Health Sector Review for Fiji in 2024, health expenditure in Fiji could rise to seven percent of the Gross Domestic Product by 2050, with per capita health spending projected to increase by as much as 250 percent.
The report highlights that poor health outcomes are hindering the productivity of Fijians, with major contributors to this public health issue identified as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancers. The prevalence of NCDs has escalated dramatically, comprising 77.1 percent of Fiji’s disease burden in 2019, up from 64.1 percent in 1990. Alarmingly, nearly 64 percent of deaths related to NCDs occur among the working-age population.
While Fijians benefit from relatively low out-of-pocket health expenses, a situation that should be safeguarded, there are concerns that without proactive measures to control the rising tide of NCDs, many households may be forced to forgo necessary healthcare. The report emphasizes that the country’s health system is not adequately structured or resourced to address its ongoing disease burden, urging a shift from predominantly curative to preventive care through effective primary healthcare.
The implications of these findings underline the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to enhance health services and promote healthier lifestyles among the population. The report will be officially launched at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to address these critical issues and seek collaborative solutions.
Overall, there is a glimmer of hope in addressing the NCD crisis—by prioritizing preventive healthcare and enacting strategic health policies, Fiji can work towards a healthier future for its citizens, ultimately improving productivity and quality of life.
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