JP Bayly Trust launches NCD screening program in Lautoka to boost early detection and care access
The JP Bayly Trust has unveiled a new non-communicable disease (NCD) screening program at its Lautoka branch, bringing free screening services closer to communities. The initiative will be offered at the Bayly Welfare office on Nede Street as part of a broader effort to expand access to early detection and preventive care for NCDs across Fiji and the wider Pacific region.
The program outlines a four-station screening package. At the first station, participants will be assessed for NCD risk factors. The second station focuses on calculating body mass index (BMI) from height and weight. In the third station, blood glucose and blood pressure will be measured. The fourth station provides an opportunity for screened individuals to discuss their results with a Bayly Trust health provider, enabling immediate guidance and next steps.
Dr Rufina Latu, a JP Bayly Trust trustee, underscored the importance of early detection: screening fosters timely interventions, helps prevent complications, and reduces the overall burden of disease. She also highlighted that NCDs remain Fiji’s leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with 80 percent of deaths attributed to NCDs. The trust notes that this umbrella includes diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, cancers, and mental health conditions, underscoring the broad impact of NCDs on communities.
During the launch, Dr Unaisi Veilawa, acting senior medical officer for the Western Health Services Diabetes Hub, described the statistics as stark reflections of human suffering and societal burden, highlighting the urgency of proactive health measures.
The Lautoka launch follows a broader pattern of NCD-focused initiatives across Fiji, including earlier programs in Suva that drew attention from community and health leaders. Industry and government voices have repeatedly stressed that fighting NCDs requires collaboration, health literacy, and preventive care as central elements of the national approach to wellness.
This program is designed to be accessible and community-oriented, with an emphasis on education and dialogue between health providers and patients. It reflects the JP Bayly Trust’s ongoing commitment to partnering with the Health Ministry and other stakeholders to address the NCD crisis at the local level.
Additional value and context:
– Why it matters: NCDs drive the majority of health burdens in Fiji; expanding screening and education helps shift focus from treatment to prevention and early intervention.
– What to expect for residents: Free, multi-step screening that culminates in a discussion with a health professional to interpret results and outline next steps.
– Broader implications: The Lautoka initiative could serve as a model for expanding preventive services to more communities, aligning with national wellness and literacy efforts and encouraging collaborative action among NGOs, government, and civil society.
– Positive outlook: If successful, the program may lead to earlier detection, better management of risk factors, and long-term reductions in NCD-related complications, contributing to a healthier future for Fiji’s communities.
Contextual note:
The Lautoka launch sits within a wider national conversation about NCDs in Fiji, where leaders have called for preventive care, stronger health literacy, and community engagement to curb what health officials describe as a looming and costly health crisis. The emphasis on early detection and community-driven health initiatives reflects a hopeful trajectory toward more proactive, preventive health care across the country.
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