Investing in tobacco control measures will save 5400 lives and $900 million in health costs and economic losses in the next 11 years, the Ministry of Health has stated.
The data is from a recent survey that was carried out with the support of the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, World Health Organization and the United Nations Development Program.
“Tobacco use is a burden to the economy. Every year, tobacco costs the economy of Fiji $319 million – that’s equivalent to 2.7 per cent of GDP (gross domestic product),” said the ministry.
“Every year, more than 1200 Fijians die due to tobacco-related illness – invest in tobacco control and save lives.”
The ministry said the 1200 deaths accounted for nearly 17 per cent of all deaths in the country.
“Investing in tobacco control can save lives and money. Tobacco control measures will save 5400 lives and avert $900 million in health costs and economic losses by 2035.
“An introduced specific excise tax on cigarettes is estimated to yield an additional $53 million in 2025. Tobacco taxes in Fiji can raise government revenue and can be invested in health.”
The Ministry of Health states under the Registration for Wholesalers and or Retailers of Tobacco Products and Electronic Cigarettes Control Act 2010 companies will need to register to sell tobacco products.
The annual registration started on January 1st and ends on January 31st.
