Health care costs associated with deaths and disabilities caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes and obesity-related illnesses, amounted to $591 million in 2019, raising serious concerns. Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu informed Parliament last week that NCDs remain the primary health challenge for Fijians, accounting for 80 percent of all deaths and 40 percent of premature deaths in the country.
This issue is significant and requires urgent attention. It provides a benchmark for assessing efforts to decrease NCD rates. However, the critical question is whether we are prepared to make the necessary sacrifices to achieve this goal.
According to the recently released Republic of Fiji Vital Statistics Report covering 2016 to 2021, the leading causes of death in Fiji—across all ages and genders—are circulatory diseases, including hypertension, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancers. In adults aged 35 to 59, NCDs are the primary contributors to mortality, presenting a substantial burden on the health system and society.
Dr. Lalabalavu emphasized that a majority of hospital admissions and treatments in Fiji are linked to NCDs and their complications. These complications, such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks, strokes, and kidney diseases, often require surgical procedures, including amputations, leading to patients needing daily hospital visits and ongoing care.
He noted that 95 percent of NCDs stem from lifestyle choices, with significant risk factors including tobacco use, lack of physical activity, poor diets high in salt, sugar, fat, and processed foods, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Many individuals are aware of the necessary steps to prevent NCDs, which begin with a shift in mindset towards healthier lifestyle choices that improve diet, fitness, and stress management. Understanding the four critical body changes that heighten NCD risk—elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar, elevated cholesterol levels, and obesity—is crucial.
The Fiji 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey revealed concerning trends in unhealthy dietary habits among older children, adolescents, and adults. The survey indicated an increase in the consumption of high-sugar foods and sweetened beverages. Alarmingly, approximately one-third of children aged 5 to 19 in Fiji are classified as overweight.
The escalating healthcare costs and the alarming state of NCDs demand immediate action. For the health of the nation and its people, it is imperative that we engage in proactive efforts and make positive changes.