The Tui Namosi has called for the revival of traditional diets, village games and communal health spirit to ward off the ravages of non-communicable diseases.
Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, who’s also the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) co-deputy chair, told the JP Bayly Trust NCD screening launch in Suva yesterday that as a result of major lifestyle changes Fiji has been overwhelmed by NCDs.
“In particular, hypertension and Type 2 diabetes. They’re taking a heavy toll, leading to increased rates of heart disease, kidney failure, strokes and amputations, especially among the iTaukei,” Ratu Suliano said.
“This is no longer just a health issue, it is a vanua issue, a generational issue, and one that demands a unified and urgent response.”
Ratu Suliano said historically NCDs were virtually non-existent in iTaukei communities.
“Our traditional lifestyles were marked by clean diets, high physical activities and holistic well-being.”
He said the GCC was serious with its role as custodian of the vanua and that included being proactive about modern challenges.
“Health and development are inseparable.
“We cannot preserve the vanua if our people are unwell. We cannot build strong communities if limbs are lost to diabetes. We cannot sustain our culture if lives are cut short.”
He said chiefs fully back programs such as the JP Bayly Trust NCD screening initiative.
“It echoes our own mission to champion community health from the roots of the vanua.
“Let us stand together, the GCC, the JP Bayly Trust, the Government, and the people, to reclaim our wellness and our future.”