Fijians know that non-communicable diseases (NCD) are caused by their lifestyle but they “make little effort” to lessen the risks, says Unity Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube.
He was responding to reports that NCDs remained the number one killer in Fiji with 5700 related deaths recorded in 2020.
“We must set a target to reduce NCDs,” he said.
“Many of us know that NCDs are the number one killers, not only in Fiji but around the globe.
“We also know that the greatest causes of NCDs are lifestyles which are relatively easier to identify. Yet, we make little effort in Fiji and the Pacific to lessen the risks of NCDs to our lives.” He said awareness was necessary.
“The keys to reducing and controlling NCDs are always in our life choices. I, therefore, wish to ask the community structures, such as the community meetings, to actively take up the issues. I also urge the family, churches and the vanua to become engaged.”
He said food contributed a lot to NCDs.
“Obesity is very high in the Pacific. Modern day parenting is too permissive which leads to obesity early in our children’s lives.
“The cost of NCDs to the nation is enormous in terms of hospital care, equipment and awareness. I would conservatively estimate the cost to be $100 million per year.
“I urge everyone to get involved in highlighting this deadly killer and working with our families and communities to achieve the target.”
A Health Ministry statement revealed outpatient data recorded more than 176,000 patients treated for diabetes between 2013 to 2018.
