Category Public Advisory

The Ministry of Health & Medial Services will continue to work strategically to intervene on Fiji’s non communicable disease (NCD) crisis after having released evidence from the NCD Risk Factor STEPS report 2011.

This is the second STEPS survey conducted in Fiji which has revealed highly relevant data on trends and the extent of the NCD problem.

The Hon. Minister for Health & Medical Services Mr Jone Usamate said, “The outlook for Fiji is dire as the majority of the adult population is at high risk of developing NCDs and growing problems of high blood glucose”.

“All risk factors, except tobacco have shown an increase in prevalence. Lifestyle of behavioural risk factor intervention remains a key in Fiji’s fight against NCD. Our success with tobacco reduction offers hope in terms of lessons learnt through advocacy and legislation”.

STEPS 2011 has also enabled Fiji to analyse the combined risk factors of the population. 2.7% were found to be of low risk, 63.4% moderate and 34% high risk. One in three Fijian women was found to be anaemic”.

The objectives of the survey were to investigate and document the occurrence of key NCDs amongst the target population, understand the prevalence of major modifiable risk factors, and to study and compare NCDs and their risk factors according to age, gender and ethnicity.

The WHO STEPS SURVEY 2011 is another example of research collaboration between World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MoHMS) of Fiji.

Fiji continues to acknowledge this partnership as it creates evidence to inform strategic interventions to Fiji’s NCD crisis.

The Ministry of Health & Medical Services remains concerned with the overall health status of school students in Fiji as the Global School Based Health Survey (GSHS) Fiji reports that children’s lifestyles are generally unhealthy.

The report was launched today by the Hon. Minister for Health & Medical Services Mr Jone Usamate. “This data is now vital for the Health Ministry on areas to focus on in their school health services. The purpose of the GSHS is to establish and provide accurate data on health behaviour among students”.

The GSHS will also allow the Health Ministry to work with the Ministry of Education’s Curriculum Department Unit on how curriculum delivery could be improved to the extent where knowledge gained in the classroom translates into behaviour outside the classroom.

“An added strength of this undertaking is that the Ministries of Health and Education have collaborated on this relevant and timely undertaking”, said Mr Usamate.

Through this survey, Fiji has now extensive data on nine identified health risk factors. These include alcohol, dietary behaviours, drug use, mental health, physical activity, sexual behaviours, HIV related knowledge, tobacco use and violence and unintentional injury.

The survey suggests that a combination of issues affect student behavior. As such, effective intervention programs will require multifaceted approaches.

The Fiji GSHS was conducted by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Ministry of Health (MOH) with technical assistance provided by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Ministry of Health & Medical Service’s Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) Strategic Plan 2015-2019 is aimed at contributing towards a healthier Fiji.

This was revealed by the Hon. Minister for Health & Medical Services Mr Jone Usamate at the launch of the NCD Strategic Plan 2015-2019 today.

“The goals and targets set in the strategic plan are to be achieved by 2019. However, we must acknowledge that the whole nation has to work together to achieve the goals of combating NCDs”, said Mr Usamate.

“Our key message is that a healthy lifestyle is the key to the prevention of premature deaths and that our individual and collective efforts are important to avert the effects of the devastating epidemic on our families, our society and our economy”.

The most recent NCD STEPS survey in Fiji has revealed alarming trends of increasing levels of risk factors, unhealthy behaviours and NCDs. There is an urgent need for a whole of system response, with strong leadership from all stakeholders.

In response to this, and in line with international and regional commitments, this NCD strategy for Fiji was developed. The strategy focuses on the prevention and treatment of NCDs, including mental health and violence and injuries.

The strategy is structured into parts tackling each of the key areas: tobacco, alcohol, diet, physical activity, clinical and public health services, mental health, injuries and violence and a more general overarching section.

Mr Usamate said, “For the first time this NCD strategic plan includes mental health and stress management which are important health problems in their own right, but also closely linked with the other NCDs”.

The strategic plan builds on the work already undertaken in Fiji to tackle the NCD crisis, learning from previous plans and approaches and seeks to provide a comprehensive prevention, treatment and management strategy for NCDs.

The strategy was developed during 3 months of consultation meetings, and included individuals from across government and civil society.

The Ministry of Health & Medical Services is issuing a health alert to the public after recording an increase in cases of chickenpox within the Suva Medical Subdivision.

This alert is being issued after the number of cases surpassed the Suva subdivision alert threshold of 53 cases per month.   An increase in cases is usually expected between July to October in Fiji, however currently the Suva Medical Subdivision has recorded an increase in cases which is likely to spread.

Chickenpox (varicella) is a viral illness caused by the herpes zoster virus (also known as the Varicella-Zoster virus).

The infection is contagious and anyone who has not had chickenpox or not been vaccinated in the past can get chickenpox.

The symptoms of chickenpox occur two weeks after people are exposed to the virus. Chickenpox may begin with a sudden slight fever, running nose, feeling generally unwell and a skin rash. The rash usually begins as small red lumps that turn into little blisters that usually break leaving scabs.

The virus is spread by coughing in the early stages and later by direct contact with the fluid in the blisters. Pregnant women should avoid contact with anyone with chickenpox and should see their doctor for suspected chickenpox-like illnesses.

Most people recover without complications, but sometimes the infection can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia and inflammation of the brain. Rarely, the infection can be fatal.

The public is advised to take precautions in preventing and controlling the disease. People with chickenpox should avoid attendance at childcare, school, work or any public places.

Meanwhile the Health Ministry urges the public to take necessary precautions while people with chickenpox should cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, dispose of soiled tissues, wash their hands well and not share eating utensils, food or drinking cups.

Fiji has received the global award for tobacco control in recognition for the effective strategies introduced to combat the illicit trade and use of tobacco products.

These strategies include the declaration of tobacco-free villages and community halls, the sale of cigarette rolls and the ban on cigarette smoking in prohibited smoking places.

To supplement the program, the government has also introduced high taxes on tobacco products to deter people from purchasing and consuming them.

The tireless efforts of the Tobacco Control Unit of the Ministry of Health has seen a decrease in social smokers by 7.1% in males and 5.9 % in females.

The Minister for Health and Medical Services Mr Jone Usamate commended the staff of the ministry for their efforts in bringing about behavioural change in the people.

“I am proud of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ tobacco control efforts, but we must keep in mind that it is not only the Government that has a role in combatting illicit trade, it is you and me, and our communities that have a role. Tobacco control requires a multi-sectoral approach with community involvement and support”, said Mr Usamate.

Mr Usamate received the award from the regional representative of WHO Dr Liu Yungao at Holiday Inn last week.

Meanwhile, Mr Usamate signed a MOU with Land Transport Authority to reduce hazardous smoke emissions from vehicles.