Alarming rates of NCDs in the workforce
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 recently.
The Ministry of Health highlighted details of health trends after screening 3,456 individuals in the civil service and private institutions, and findings highlighted that 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, stated that the national policy will promote optimal nutrition and foster healthy eating habits for all civil servants and the community.
“The policy will ensure that meals, snacks and beverages available to everyone at all Government facilities offer healthier choices. When the whole of Government is providing healthier food to visitors, clients and civil servants, there will be an increased demand for local fruits, healthy greens, vegetables and roots crops,” PM Rabuka said.
“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.”
The Prime Minister also stated that consumption of alcohol and cigarettes must be reduced or completely ceased as they increase the risks for NCDs.
Various policies implemented by the Government to reduce the use of these harmful substances include taxation.
The Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Atonio Lalabalavu, stated that the overweight and obesity trends in Fiji are particularly worrying, affecting both children and adults and was 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 these problems very seriously and is also serious about addressing and preventing it,” Minister Lalabalavu said.
Present at the event were the Minister for Rural & Maritime Development, Sakiasi Ditoka, Minister for Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, Minister for Employment, Agni Deo Singh, the Minister for Women, Children & Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya and respective Permanent Secretaries.
The civil servants are encouraged to take an hour off from official duties on Wednesdays for physical exercise known as part of Wellness Wednesday.