Health care expenses related to deaths and disabilities from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes and illnesses linked to obesity, were estimated at $591 million in 2019.
During a ministerial statement in Parliament, Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu highlighted that NCDs remain the primary health challenge for Fijians, accounting for 80% of all deaths in the country and 40% of premature fatalities.
According to the recently published Republic of Fiji Vital Statistics Report for the years 2016 to 2021, the leading causes of death for both men and women across all age groups were circulatory diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancers.
For adults aged between 35 and 59 years, NCDs were also the most common cause of death. Dr. Lalabalavu emphasized the significant impact of NCDs on both the health system and society as a whole.
He noted that a large number of patient admissions and treatments at Fijian health facilities were due to NCDs and their complications. Issues like coronary artery disease, heart attacks, strokes, and kidney diseases often necessitated surgical interventions, including amputations, which led patients to seek care in hospitals daily.
Dr. Lalabalavu mentioned that 95% of NCDs are attributed to lifestyle choices. The four main modifiable risk factors include tobacco use, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diets high in salt, sugar, and fat, as well as excessive alcohol consumption.
These unhealthy habits result in four critical changes in the body that elevate the risk of NCDs: elevated blood pressure, high blood sugars, raised cholesterol or fat levels, and obesity.
The Fiji 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey revealed concerning dietary trends among older children, adolescents, and adults, highlighting low consumption of nutritious foods alongside a high intake of sugar and sugary drinks.
Additionally, the survey indicated that approximately one-third of Fijian children aged 5 to 19 years were classified as overweight. Dr. Lalabalavu warned that if these risk factors remain unaddressed, they could lead to the development of NCDs.