PM raises major NCD challenge
MORE younger people are succumbing to NCDs, leaving behind children and surviving spouses to navigate their future on their own, says Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
Mr Rabuka told the launch of the National Policy on Healthy Catering for Government Ministries in Suva yesterday the policy formed part of the Government’s plan to combat the rise of NCDs, which was now a national emergency that contributed to 84 per cent of deaths annually.
He said the promising careers of some of our nation’s bright young minds had been cut short by the NCD epidemic.
“These losses are keenly felt by families, communities and vanua, as well as the Government agencies they serve in, and the nation,” Mr Rabuka said.
“As a nation, we invest in our young people’s education, in their health, and in their careers in terms of scholarships.”
He said the objective of the policy was to promote optimal nutrition and foster healthy eating habits among civil servants and the community.
Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr Jemesa Tudravu said the launch of the guideline was jointly organised by the Health and Civil
Service ministries.
Dr Tudravu said it contained the standard operating procedures and guidelines for implementing the policy in government ministries.
The policy will be implemented at all government facilities and will be monitored by permanent secretaries through quarterly assessments.
Mr Tudravu added 86 civil servants from various ministries would undergo a two-day training on the guideline before being implemented.