The revelation that Fijians are not reaching their full productive potential because of poor health outcomes is a concern.
This was highlighted by World Bank country director for Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands, Stephen Ndegwa, in the recently launched Fiji Health Sector Review.
This alarming prevalence of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and cancer, he said, were contributing to what is being described as a “true epidemic” in Fiji.
Incidences of NCD, he said, were almost double what other countries of lower economic level have.
We learn that 80 per cent of deaths in Fiji are caused by NCDs, and at a much younger age. Now this is serious!
What it does is, as Mr Ndegwa notes, it burdens the health system, burdens families and, of course, burdens the economy.
We learn through the report about the stagnation in life expectancy in Fiji over the past three decades.
Between 1990 and 2020, we learn that life expectancy in Fiji increased by just two years, from 66 to 68 years.
While there has been some progress, it is well below the gains seen in other countries with lower economic levels, where life expectancy rose by 15 per cent over the same period. According to Mr Ndwgwa, in comparison to other nations, Fiji was trailing behind, with a life expectancy gap of almost nine years.
In the face of that, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Biman Prasad believes if we don’t address our NCD crisis, the economic burden associated with it will become unmanageable.
Professor Prasad believes people must “wake up” and fully understand the gravity of our health crisis.
Our health outcomes, he insisted, were not improving at the rate needed, and that urgent action was required to address these growing health challenges.
The report underscores the need for substantial investment in Fiji’s healthcare system, recommending a $50million annual investment for the next 70 years to address our health issues, particularly the rise in NCDs.
Our health expenditure hovers around 4 per cent of GDP, just shy of the World Health Organization’s target.
However, without intervention, or a concerted effort to stimulate discussions, and initiate strategies to improve our health care, we are warned that the costs associated with untreated NCDs will skyrocket in the future. That’s going to place a great strain on the economy.
Prof Prasad has even warned that without immediate intervention, we could face much higher costs in the future.
“The pace at which NCDs are increasing is alarming.
“So, it’s better to invest early and intervene before the situation worsens.”
The findings highlight a crisis that demands immediate attention and action.
Aside from all the talk to improve our health facilities and strategies focused on NCDs, perhaps we should also consider policies and strategies focused on making healthy food affordable, and readily available!
We reflect on the heavy leaning towards food that is cheap and affordable, that may not be healthy at all.
The health of our population is connected to economic productivity. NCDs threaten both!
We have a challenge. We must prioritise health investments, raise awareness, and encourage healthier lifestyles to fight this epidemic. We have our work cut out. What is left now is the political will to make a difference!
