Africa: The President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, officiated at the launch of the Healthy Setting Programme at the Holiday Inn, Suva, this morning (21/06/22).
The Healthy Setting Programme is an initiative by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in collaboration with the World Health Organisation and the World Bank.
In his address, the Head of State stated that the time to act against non-communicable diseases for Fiji is now!
He called on workplaces, schools, and communities to adopt healthier workplace approaches to decrease mortality rates and ensure a productive and healthy working population, contributing to an economically sound nation.
“In the Pacific, especially in Fiji, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of premature deaths and disability, have caused an alarming rate of deaths annually, and continue at a staggering rate. Over 80% of our mortality is attributed to NCDs and NCD-related illnesses.”
The President added that simple examples of holistic ‘Healthy Settings’ include having gardens where healthy organic foods are planted and consumed. Gardening in its own right is a form of exercise; our people need to have access to water, sanitation, and hygiene which means access to clean, safe and hygienic water with clean and safe lavatories for all healthy settings.
Employees in the workforce should be encouraged to engage in physical wellness activities and consumption of healthy, organic, and balanced diets.
President Katonivere also stated that the Government, through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, is aware of the risk factors contributing to NCDs and the liability that Non-Communicable Diseases incur.
“Settings for Health can promote a healthy nation as they are vehicles to reach individuals, gain access to services, and bring together interactions throughout the wider community,” said President Katonivere.
