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NCD MONTH
The Ra health sub-division in collaboration with other government departments organized a march to signal the commencement of the July National NCD screening month.
The people of Ra were advised to present themselves to the health facilities for checkups to update their medical status.
The Honourable Assistant Minister for Health Mrs Veena Bhatnagar while attending an official function took time away to join the march and to boost the morale of the health staff, to mount a comprehensive awareness and checkups of the people of Ra.
“I thank you for this initiative and I am sure you will be able to deliver the services to the maximum people who are unaware of their health status,” Mrs Bhatnagar said.
Meanwhile, nationwide screenings have also begun and people are advised to go to the nearest Health facility to get their checkup done.
Every year the Ministry of Health & Medical Services observes Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Month to raise awareness on preventing NCDs and staying healthy.
The Ministry launched NCD Month in Vunindawa with display booths and advice to the public on successful ways to combat non-communicable diseases by promoting Wellness.
The theme is “Youth for Wellness; Say no to alcohol and tobacco use”. The escalating prevalence of NCDs in Fiji raises concerns as these diseases, which include heart problems, stroke and diabetes, contribute to almost 80% of all deaths.
These preventable diseases have had a devastating impact on the health of the people of the region. NCDs are a barrier keeping Fiji from achieving not only the health-related Sustainable Development Goals, but also some much broader visions of health in sub-regions like Healthy Islands for the Pacific. Subsequently health issues also hinder economic progress when otherwise productive members of society are unable to work.
The Minister for Health and Medical Services Hon Jone Usamate continues to remind people to engage in healthier lifestyles.
‘Eat more fresh foods and less processed foods and engage in more physical activity, or put simply, move more. Our health and wellbeing is our responsibility and we must take full ownership of this to live a productive life”.
Mr Usamate also added that people should not wait till they become sick to get screened. “Even if you are well, engage in routine health checks so that you are aware of how your body is progressing. A lot of times we see people present to health facilities quite late”.
Throughout the month of July the Health Ministry will continue to remind the public on the importance of getting screened to know their health status.
The National Advisor for NCD & Wellness Dr Isimeli Tukana said that people must get into the habit of keeping track of their health.
“We must focus on replacing illness with wellness and this can be done if we all play our part. Do not wait to fall unwell to practise wellness”.
Meanwhile contact the Health Ministry or your nearest health facility for more information regarding screenings, or email fijiwellness@gmail.com