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Fiji’s Minister for Health Dr Neil Sharma has outlined the toll that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are taking on Fiji’s population, including their effects on longevity.
Speaking at this year’s health symposium in Suva yesterday, Sharma said only 16 percent of Fiji’s population lives up to the age of 50.
“And only 8% go beyond 60 years. Diabetes affects 18% of both our major ethnic groups,” he said.
Sharma also highlighted the lack of compliance rates in relation to NCD’s.
“We have a poor compliance rate with treatment for non-communicable diseases. The target organs affected result in high amputation, blindness, and cardiac and renal failure rates.”
He stressed the need to address the challenges of NCDs and their prevention and control.
Sharma said that despite the readiness of countries in the western Pacific region to act on NCD prevention and control, they are no closer to achieving the aims and aspirations of these initiatives.
Reporter: Repeka Nasiko
