Fiji loses $406M annually due to four major lifestyle diseases

Currently, Fiji loses $406 million annually due to the prevalence of the four major NCDs which is cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory disease, the leading causes of mortality in Fiji leading to premature deaths.

This was highlighted by President, Jioji Konrote while launching the Pacific Research Symposium on Sport and Sustainable Development at the University of the South Pacific, Laucala Campus.

Konrote says that according to the Global School‑Based Student Health Survey conducted by the World Health Organisation in 2016, only 19.2 per cent of students aged 13 to 15 years in Fiji reported that they were physically active for at least 60 minutes a day within a seven day period.

He says that notably, the same survey highlighted that the level of physical activity among female students in Fiji, and across all surveyed Pacific Island Countries and Territories was lower than their male counterparts.

He says that Fiji’s health system is bearing the burden of NCDs and Fiji has one of the highest rates of NCD‑related deaths in the region.

Konrote adds that if we have a fit and healthy nation, a good portion of the $406 million could be channeled to education, youth and sports development, among many other nation building initiatives.

The Pacific Research Symposium on Sport and Sustainable Development continues at the University of the South Pacific, Laucala Campus today.