Wednesday 14 October, 2009 :  8.30AM
Venue:   TANOA INTERNATIONAL HOTEL, NADI

The Hon Prime Minister, Commodore J V Bainimarama,

WHO Representative in the South Pacific, Dr Chen Ken,

UNICEF Representative, Dr Isiye Ndombi,

Crop Production Co-ordinator, Land Resource Division, SPC, Dr Siosiua Halavatau,

FAO Sub Regional Office for the Pacific, Mr Dirk Schultz,

Permanent Secretaries,

Invited Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen.                          

INTRODUCTION

Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) have reached Epidemic proportions in the Pacific.  Fiji is ranked the fourth obese  nation in the region.  NCD arises as a lifestyle imbalance of what we consume and that which we expend.   Nutritional imbalances resulting from not  eating local produce to canned, processed food contribute  to the equation especially in these times of global economic crisis.

Food security, safety and quality become important issues for the individual, community, nationally and internationally.  Towards this effort the Ministry of Health with support and endorsement from World Health Organisation,  has developed this program.

The National Food Summit

The National Food Summit brings together all stakeholders of food security, safety and quality.  We acknowledge the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Trade and Commerce, food producers and processors, food importers, exporters, Ministry of Health personnel especially our Food and Nutrition Unit.

This three day conference will outline the diverse issues in these three  areas of  Food Security, Safety and Quality.  Areas of co-operation, synergy to harmonize all areas will be the end result.

Recent studies in Fiji have indicated  the high incidence of anaemia in children, women and even men.  We cannot overstress the importance of our traditional diets, healthy eating and physical activities.

The clinical problems arising out of using  imported salt without iodine cannot be overstressed and the need to police our legislation is essential.

The Ministry of Health initiated the flour “fortification” project in conjunction with Flour Mills of Fiji and this has resulted in a reduction in anaemia to 7% of pregnant women booking into hospital in 2008. We believe flour fortification has contributed to this decline.  From the 20% in 2004, we will prospect  raising the levels of Iron, Vitamin B & A fortification  from the minimum levels to reduce this further.

The Ministry of Health initiative on “supplementation” which commenced on 1 October, 2009 will see that all children in Fiji are provided Iron, Vitamin A and additional medication to reduce parasitic worm infection.   All pregnant women are provided iron/folic acid into the six month period after delivery to reduce maternal and child anaemia.

The Food Act 2009 Gazette is in full force now.  All importers and traders are notified to ensure that food items are  of quality value.  Our Food Unit has since June 2009 when the Gazetting was undertaken, monitored Food Safety on a  case by case basis.  With the full application all food items imported need to comply with the  legislation in place.

We have the services of the Food Unit in the Ministry of Health and will also consider undertaking chemical/DNA analysis on a case by case basis, randomly  for locally processed food.

These measures are mandatory as over 60% of our population remains overweight  and yet a significant number deficient in iron and micronutrients.  Only 16% of our population currently live beyond 50 years as the high rate of premature disability with NCD/infection/cancer take their toll.  A healthy balance needs to be re-established with eating healthy and exercising daily as soon as practicable.  Towards this, the Ministry of Health  and Ministry of Education  are working closely to optimize health issues of our next generation of citizens in the home and school environment.  This initiative include school gardens – vegetable/root/fruit, meaningful home science classes, canteen guidelines for greater participation by PTA in the running of school canteens.  The provision of free school lunch and iron and vitamin supplementation to all primary school attendees.

Ladies and gentlemen, I trust you will have meaningful dialogue, discussion and national food resolutions will be arrived at for implementation.  This National Summit will be followed by a Pacific Food Summit  in Vanuatu in April 2010 where regional issues will be progressed for international agency support.

We thank you for your attendance and wish you well in your deliberations.

Introduction of Prime Minister

 Dr Neil Sharma.
Minister of Health