Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services, Dr James Fong,

Board Chair, Mr. Raman Dahiaa and Board Directors of Consumer Council,

Chief Executive Officer, Consumer Council of Fiji, Ms Seema Shandil

Head of Wellness, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Dr Devina Nand,
International Partners,
Members of the Media and Invited Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka, and a very good morning to you all.

INTRODUCTION

We live in a world where health is critical. This has always been the case, but we were taught by COVID-19, just to what extent.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Unlike the pandemic which was largely communicable, meaning it spread easily, we have the power to prevent Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs). Simply because we have the ability to make better life choices that can spare us our health and our lives.
PERSONAL TAKE

Ladies and Gentlemen,

While you have the benefit of medical professionals addressing you this morning, I wanted to share my perspective, and experience, in the fight against NCDs.

As some of you know, I’m a bit of a runner. But I come from a background where the only thing that ran in the family was high sugar levels, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. If you were part of the Ali family, by age 30, you would be diagnosed with a plethora of lifestyle diseases.

But it didn’t take much to break this cycle. Small changes. Doing 30-40 minutes of physical activity – that you must grow to love doing and being consistent. Disciplining or watching your total calorie in-take — in other words – Eat to live and not the other way around. These small steps add up to making a big difference to your wellness.

HOLISTIC APPROACH

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The health risks and impact of NCDs on our nation continues to grow by the day — putting more Fijians at risk. We have babies and toddlers either diagnosed with NCDs or worse, passing away prematurely.

It also affects the segment of our young – productive population, limiting our labour and productivity.

Far too often we forget the intricate relationship between health and development. Simply put — NCDs hold our economy back.

Here at home, NCDs have become a serious deterrent in realising and unlocking our full potential. The NCD toll is increasing at an unacceptable rate. If we were to put a price, we’re looking at an estimated $406 million spent on a battle that we can easily prevent. (And invest these much needed resources in other critical areas like education or access to water and electricity.)

The utmost challenge we face, as a nation, is the ripple effects of an unhealthy workforce. Not to mention, the socio-economic impacts on families left without a parent, sibling or partner, and robbing them of an income earner.

MSMES AND FIJIAN GROWN

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport has multiple roles – from advocacy to industry development. It’s not always as apparent, but we’re cutting across sectors to promote a healthier lifestyle, while fueling commerce.

We strongly advocate the importance of food security and nutrition by encouraging Fijians to choose Fijian Grown and Fijian Organic.

We’re creating linkages for micro, small and medium enterprises to reach markets in Fiji and beyond. That’s why we have projects like the Roadside Stalls that not only afford Fijians earning a livelihood, but creates access to more healthier local produce.

TOURISM AND TRADE

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I’ve seen first-hand the capabilities of our agricultural sector that produces high-quality lettuce, capsicum, tomatoes and chillies for the tourism industry, export market and supermarkets.

The opening of borders hasn’t only meant the return of tourists. It means an increase in demand for food and beverage too. For us, that’s an opportunity we’re tapping into. From encouraging hotels to source locally, to marketing the depth and breadth of healthy, local cuisine.

COLLABORATION

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Addressing NCDs requires a national, multi-sectoral approach. Whether it’s Government setting policies, or consumers making the shift, we all have important roles to play.

So, we need to come together to tackle this silent epidemic that continues to cost us. This means – Government, private sector and civil society – all speaking the same language.

Through collaboration and support, we’ve managed to place ourselves as one of the most highly vaccinated countries, bringing Fiji to a position where we could open up. That wasn’t easy either. We need the same vigour and enthusiasm to curb NCDs – much like Climate Change.

ALLIANCE FOR HEALTHY LIVING LAUNCH

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It’s partnership that’s brought us here. The relaunch of “Alliance for Healthy Living”, is an exemplary collaboration of Consumer Council of Fiji, Diabetes Fiji, and the National Food and Nutrition Centre.

This partnership can be the catalyst for genuine commitment. And its role, apart from raising consumer awareness, should be to bring together nation-wide stakeholders on policies that help us achieve our shared goals and vision.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

To live a healthy life, and to choose local, is a responsibility we all can share. By doing so, we’re supporting healthy living — for a healthy economy.

It goes without saying, there’s a lot at stake. Our loved ones, ourselves and our Nation.

So, I look forward to the outcomes from this National Workshop. I also thank the Consumer Council of Fiji for taking on this cause. And a special thanks to everyone here today.

Vinaka Vakalevu and Thank you.