Very little practical solutions regarding NCDs – Health Minister

There are countless strategies, commitments and plans which detail the causes and scale of the problem we face when it comes to NCDs but there is very little by-way of practical solutions or ways of turning our many statements of intent into actions.

This was highlighted by the Minister for Health and Medical Services Rosy Akbar at the opening ceremony of the 5th Head of Health meeting today at Novotel Suva.

Akbar says there can be no doubt that the epidemic of non-communicable diseases continues to impact our populations and is one of the most serious threats to health in our region and despite significant investment of time and money, progress has been painfully slow.

She says another issue of grave concern is antimicrobial resistance where many of the recent achievements in tackling communicable diseases could be reversed by the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria.

Akbar says that over the course of the meeting antimicrobial resistance should also prominently feature in the discussions.

The 3 day event has been organised by the Pacific Community and hosts Senior health officials from 22 Pacific Island countries which provides an important platform to review and contribute towards decisions that impact regional health policy.