NCDs remain at crisis point in Fiji – Dr Lalabalavu

Non-communicable diseases or lifestyle diseases continue to be the main disease burden for our people contributing to 80 percent of all deaths in the country and 40 percent of premature deaths according to Health Minister, Doctor Atonio Lalabalavu.

While responding to the President’s speech in parliament, Doctor Lalabalavu says he is grateful to the Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Civil Service for launching the Policy and Guideline on Healthy Catering at government agencies and institutions which should guide how the civil service can promote and implement healthy eating and meal preparation.

Doctor Lalabalavu says the healthy habits to reduce NCDs in Fiji do not start inside our hospitals and nursing stations.

He says they start and are nurtured in our homes, schools, villages, work places, offices, and also in the deliberations of parliament.

The Health Minister stresses that the NCD crisis we have will require all our collective effort and determination to control and stop.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is finalizing its Wellness and NCD Strategy with the help of their partners, which will guide their effort in addressing NCDs in Fiji.