In a bid to address the NCD crisis and growing anemia and obesity issue in Fiji, the Health Ministry is preparing to submit the draft Fiji Policy on Food and Nutrition Security (FPFNS) to Cabinet.

Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu says, the policy “embodies a holistic, cross-sectoral approach to ensuring food and nutrition security in Fiji.”

He said aligned with national development plans, the FPFNS’ strategic goal was to make safe and nutritious food accessible and affordable for every Fijian, catering to their dietary needs and cultural preferences for a healthy life.

“Moving forward, transformative policies, multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder engagement and coordination, targeted and increased investment in promoting food and health security best practices, and improved data collection and analysis are integral parts to our collective effort to address chronic diseases in Fiji,” he said.

More than 12,000 Fijians lost their lives to NCDs in two years and NCDs account for more than 80% of Fiji’s mortality rate.

Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu says, the policy “embodies a holistic, cross-sectoral approach to ensuring food and nutrition security in Fiji.”

He said aligned with national development plans, the FPFNS’ strategic goal was to make safe and nutritious food accessible and affordable for every Fijian, catering to their dietary needs and cultural preferences for a healthy life.

“Moving forward, transformative policies, multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder engagement and coordination, targeted and increased investment in promoting food and health security best practices, and improved data collection and analysis are integral parts to our collective effort to address chronic diseases in Fiji,” he said.

More than 12,000 Fijians lost their lives to NCDs in two years and NCDs account for more than 80% of Fiji’s mortality rate.