Fiji is grappling with a significant health crisis, as Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) now represent 80 percent of all fatalities in the nation and account for 40 percent of premature deaths. These alarming figures were brought to light by Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, the Minister for Health and Medical Services.
The troubling realities in Fiji are reflective of a broader global trend. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that NCDs cause 71 percent of all deaths worldwide, predominantly impacting low- and middle-income nations like Fiji. Furthermore, the United Nations has indicated that 85 percent of premature deaths linked to NCDs occur in these regions.
In Fiji, the primary causes of death include circulatory diseases, diabetes, and cancers, which affect both genders alike. The Republic of Fiji Vital Statistics Report from 2016 to 2021 highlights that NCDs are the leading cause of death across all age demographics.
The financial impact on Fiji’s healthcare system is substantial, with the estimated costs linked to NCD-related deaths and disabilities reaching 591 million Fijian dollars in 2019.
The underlying causes of this health crisis are widely recognized: unhealthy eating habits, tobacco use, lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol consumption. Dr. Lalabalavu points out that these factors can be modified.
Countries around the world have successfully reduced NCD rates through effective strategies that Fiji could consider. For example, Finland’s national salt reduction campaign has led to a significant decrease in hypertension rates. Similarly, Australia’s strict tobacco control measures, which include plain packaging and high taxation, have resulted in a marked decline in smoking rates. Mexico’s implementation of a sugar tax succeeded in decreasing sugary drink consumption by 7.6 percent within the first two years.
Fiji’s Wellness Division is actively collecting important data to inform future health promotion and prevention initiatives. However, tackling the NCD crisis necessitates a unified approach, robust policy changes, and heightened public awareness.
It is crucial to encourage healthier lifestyle choices today to pave the way for a healthier tomorrow.