In a powerful show of solidarity and commitment to tackling cardiovascular diseases, the Grand Pacific Hotel was illuminated in red this evening, marking the beginning of World Heart Month.
Minister for Health Dr Atonio Lalabalavu says the event is a call for the public to prioritise heart health, and recognise warning signs as cardiovascular disease remains Fiji’s leading cause of death, claiming lives prematurely and devastating families.
Dr Lalabalavu says non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease and stroke are driven by factors like unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption, factors that we can control.
He says regular checkups, balanced nutrition, and active lifestyles save lives, and that families and communities must create environments that make heart health easier.
