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Fiji is ranked the fourth obese nation in the region, says the Minister for Health Dr Neil Sharma.
Dr Sharma revealed that over 60 per cent of Fiji’s population remains overweight and a significant number suffer from deficiency in iron and micronutrients.
He said only 16 per cent of Fiji’s population currently live beyond 50 years as the high rate of premature disability with NCD infection and cancer takes its toll.
Dr Sharma made the comments while calling on Fiji’s people to return to taking balanced traditional diets, at the three-day Fiji Food Summit 2009 held at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi yesterday.
He said: “the Health and Education Ministries are working closely to optimize health issues of the next generation in the home and school environment”.
He said this initiative includes school gardens, establishing meaningful home science, and setting canteen guidelines for schools.
The 2009 Fiji Food Summit is set for stakeholders to discuss national food resolutions to be drafted for implementation.
The National Summit will be followed by a Pacific Food Summit in Vanuatu in April 2010 where regional issues will be addressed for international agency support.
