Government-run non-communicable disease programs are being reviewed by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

Speaking at the 2023 Pacific Islands Health Research Symposium in Nadi yesterday, Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu said they wanted to find out the effectiveness of each program.

“Since taking office, some of the last ministry’s legislations are being reviewed because some of them are very old,” he said.

“We have to listen to academics and specialists to help us prepare guided policies so that when it is implemented, we will know they will work.

“In light of our burden of NCDs numbers, I always ask the question about our programs, how effective they are, and whether they have been reviewed.

“So, we are in the process of reviewing these legislations.”

In opening the event, Dr Lalabalavu said over time, changes in health determinants and risk factors had led to a surge in NCDs, carrying substantial economic costs for Pacific governments.

“Concurrently, communicable diseases like lower respiratory infections, diarrhoea, tuberculosis, leptospirosis, and lymphatic filariasis persist in our region and some instances are staging resurgence.

“The mounting evidence of interactions and synergies between communicable diseases and NCDs in the Pacific is undeniable with countries at various stages of the epidemiological transition. These challenges are further compounded by concerns related to the impact of environmental health diseases, the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases, and the complex issues surrounding maternal, newborn, and adolescent health, oral health, and the mounting challenges posed by climate change and its repercussions on health.”