Denarau, Nadi, Fiji – October 20, 2025 – The “Accelerating Implementation of the WHO Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022-2030 in the Western Pacific Region” is crucial for driving efforts to achieve the targets outlined in the Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022-2030.
Fiji commended the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office for the draft action plan, considering that it incorporated interventions from the WHO Best Buys and the SAFER initiative.
While delivering Fiji’s intervention on the alcohol plan, Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services Dr Jemesa Tudravu stated that, although alcohol consumption in Fiji remained below the global average of 5 litres per capita, it had been rising, from 3.18 litres in 2017 to 3.45 litres in 2020.
Dr Tudravu noted that despite some progress, there were still gaps in the implementation of the SAFER interventions, particularly regarding:
– Marketing of alcohol products: This includes advertisements and sponsorships that target youth.
– Availability and affordability: Alcohol remains widely accessible, including through informal outlets. Additionally, pricing policies (such as excise tax levels) do not yet align with optimal public health standards.
“There is also a need for improvements in screening, brief intervention, and treatment within primary health care settings, as well as in comprehensive monitoring and surveillance. Furthermore, capacity building, enforcement, and protection of policymaking from vested interests must be prioritised.”
The draft action plan clearly highlights the direct and indirect health impacts of alcohol, and Fiji is committed to prevention through reducing consumption. Progress in our efforts includes:
– Enforcing licensing under the Liquor Act in major urban centers, along with reviewing informal supply chains.
– Implementing drink-driving prevention operations in partnership with the Land Transport Authority and the Fiji Police Force, targeting alcohol-related road traffic injuries.
– Establishing multisectoral coordination mechanisms that include health, education, police, defence, transport, and law enforcement agencies.
– Integrating alcohol education into school health programs and promoting health initiatives across communities.
“This regional action plan is a valuable addition to the resources we can utilize to reduce alcohol consumption in our region, and Fiji fully supports it,” Dr Tudravu said.