Fiji is grappling with considerable health challenges related to the traditional loose tobacco product known as suki. Health experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) have urged the Fijian government to strengthen regulations governing suki to alleviate its negative health impacts. Andrew Black, the Coordinator at the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, emphasized that current laws fall short in safeguarding minors and regulating the product’s distribution.
Black highlighted the dangers of suki, advocating for its regulation on par with other tobacco products. Although Fiji has implemented tobacco control laws, enforcement remains problematic, particularly in preventing sales to underage individuals. This ongoing issue was a central point of discussion aimed at enhancing tobacco control measures in the nation.
Dr. Jemesa Tudravu, Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Health, has recognized the pressing need for more robust regulatory frameworks. He noted that discussions will also encompass the rise of vaping and cigarette use. The government is partnering with the WHO to tackle these urgent public health dilemmas effectively.
Adding to this dialogue, a recent study titled “Smoke Signal: Understanding the Drivers of Suki Consumption in Fiji 2024,” published by the Consumer Council of Fiji, has shed light on the public’s limited awareness regarding the health risks associated with suki. Many consider it less harmful than cigarettes, indicating a significant knowledge gap that necessitates targeted public health campaigns to inform users about the dangers of this traditional tobacco product.
The report further pointed out that the vague regulations surrounding the Tobacco Control Act of 2010 regarding suki complicate the enforcement of advertising restrictions and health warnings typical of commercial cigarettes. By clarifying these regulations, Fiji could cultivate a regulatory environment that encourages users to withdraw from tobacco entirely.
As government officials and the WHO work together to develop a comprehensive action plan, there is optimism for a healthier future in Fiji. By aligning national policies with global standards and executing effective tobacco control strategies, Fiji has the potential to lower smoking rates, alleviate health burdens, and enhance public health outcomes, ultimately nurturing a more vibrant and healthy population.
Leave a comment