This bulletin contains a snapshop of the communicabe diseases in Fiji for the year 2011.

Non-communicable diseases are called lifestyle diseases. These diseases are generally chronic (long term) and last our lifetime. Meaning, that as long as we live, we will continue to suffer from these diseases.  We can only control the symptoms by taking regular medication and changing our lifestyles to a healthy one with regular physical activity and healthier diets.

“We will promote the use of standards to strengthen production of high quality local foods and agricultural products and to facilitate trade, develop and strengthen the existing research & development capacity to increase local food production and reduce reliance on imported food, develop & promote new healthy food products including snacks, strengthen the capacity and outreach of extension services to farmers and to promote sustainable intensified production of safe and nutritious food and agricultural products”

When we think cancer, we think of death and dying. Collectively we need to review the subject from a different perspective. One needs to understand the impact of cancer on individuals, communities, society and nation. The need to reduce the burden of cancer is truly wanting at all levels.