Alarming Rates of NCDs in the Workforce, Says PM
Fiji is currently dealing with the “triple trouble” of overweight, obesity and underweight, including micronutrient deficiencies.
This was revealed at the launch of the National Policy on Healthy Catering and Sale of Food and Beverages for all Government ministries and institutions at the Civic Centre in Suva yesterday.
The Ministry of Health revealed details of health trends from screening 3456 individuals in the civil service and private institutions.
Findings highlighted the prevalence and progression of health risks in the service underscores the need to adopt this policy.
Officiating at the event, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the national policy would promote optimal nutrition and foster healthy eating habits for all civil servants and the community.
“The increased demand for fresh products means good news for farmers, fishermen and market vendors and (hopefully) a concomitant reduction in our national import bill in terms of unhealthy processed food,” Mr Rabuka said.
Other factors
Mr Rabuka also said consumption of alcohol and cigarettes must be reduced and ceased as they increase the risks of NCDs.
Various policies implemented by the Government to reduce the use of these harmful substances include taxation.
Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Atonio Lalabalavu
said overweight and obesity were particularly worrying, affecting both children and adults and is directly contributing to increasing rates of NCDs in Fiji.
“It takes a humble workforce in the civil service to acknowledge that we have a problem and that our solution must begin with us. “The Coalition Government takes
it these problems very seriously and is also serious about addressing and preventing it,” Dr Lalabalavu said.
Present at the event were the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development Sakiasi Ditoka, Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa, Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh, the Minister for
Women, Children and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya and respective permanent secretaries.
The civil service body takes an hour off from official duties on Wednesdays for physical exercise known as Wellness Wednesday.