NCDs now accounts for 80% of all deaths in Fiji

Non Communicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer now accounts for 80 percent of all deaths in Fiji.

This has been revealed by the Sub Divisional Medical Officer in Suva, Dr. Pablo Romakin who said that NCD’s accounted for 15 percent of all deaths in 1960's and 35 percent in 1990's.

He said there is generally low consumption of fruit and vegetables in the Fiji population aged between 15 to 64 years with 85 percent consuming less than five servings of combined fruits and vegetables per day.

Dr. Romakin said the most common type of oil used in preparation of food in Fiji is vegetable oil.

He said 29.9 percent of the Fiji population aged between 15 to 64 years is overweight while 18 percent are obese.

He added that females in Fiji are far more obese than males.

Dr. Romakin said there is evidence of rapid increase of obesity with up to the 30 to 34 year age group implying that weight gain is occurring in the younger generation in Fiji.

He said non-communicable disease trends continue to increase over the years and unless addressed through whole of government and whole of society collaboration, the trend will have devastating effects in Fiji.

Meanwhile, nine officials from the Ministry of Health will be attending a five week training course in Japan on lifestyle related diseases and prevention in the community health setting in the Pacific region.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has implemented this training program.