Beyond the numbers

On this day back in 2022 we highlighted an issue that was apt then as it is today. Non-communicable diseases continue to impact us as a nation. Health Ministry head of Wellness Dr Devina Nand spoke that day, and said the non-financial cost of NCDs was immense.

She warned then that it could take an emotional toll on people including family members.

Training community health workers in Lautoka that year, Dr Nand highlighted the burden those living with NCD had to endure.

The World Health Organization said NCDs killed 41 million people each year, which was equivalent to 71 per cent of all deaths globally.

Over 15 million people between 30 and 69 died prematurely to these diseases, with 85 per cent happening in low- and middle-income countries.

Cardiovascular diseases led the pack, followed by cancers, respiratory illnesses, and diabetes.

While detection, screening, treatment, and palliative care were important, the WHO emphasised prevention through risk reduction.

Modifiable risk factors exist, making low-cost solutions achievable for governments and stakeholders.

Monitoring NCD trends is vital to guide policy and prioritise interventions.

Dr Nand spoke about the disabling nature of NCDs, citing amputations, difficulty with basic functions, chronic pain, and constant stress as examples.

Let’s face it, these burdens not only strain healthcare systems but also impact families, significantly affecting their quality of life.

Fiji’s National Nutritional Survey in 2016 was a reminder of the NCD challenge.

The urgency for lifestyle changes is critical. We must reevaluate our diets, embrace daily physical activity, and adjust our daily routines.

While the path to change may be challenging, the negative consequences of inaction far outweigh the difficulties.

When you consider the implications, it is difficult to shrug aside the need for us to consider lifestyle changes.

Our challenge is how fast we can make those changes though.

We take a lot of things for granted. NCDs are real. They affect families. They negatively impact people and can reduce the quality of life.

As we enter a new month, we are reminded about life. We are reminded about healthy living, and about making choices that are good for us.

Doing that may mean we appreciate life.

In saying that, we are also reminded about the need for the powers that be to continue to make calls that will assist us to make those important choices when it comes to buying food and drinks.

Healthy living is important, but for some people, it may not be cheap at all.

Sure, we can say the negatives will far outweigh anything else!

We need to be working together on this though!