With the fast spread of communicable disease (CD) at this point in Fiji, research capacity can be further diversified.
The Minister Health and Medical Services Hon. Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete, in saying this, officiated at the inauguration of the “Centre for the Prevention of Obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases (C-POND) of the School of Public Health and Primary Care, WHO Collaboration Centre (WHO CC) for Obesity Prevention and Management”.
Minister Waqainabete said this is to identify impediments to holistic health and development.
“Given the severity of communicable disease (CD) across our region at this point and the increasing prevalence of the effects of climate change, I only hope that we do not forget CD and how fast it can come around to strike,” Minister Waqainabete said during the event held in Suva this morning.
“The Pacific Islands are in the grip of a non-communicable disease crisis,” he added.
“Evidence is suggesting that life expectancy is beginning to decline as a direct result of NCDs in some countries in the region,” he said.
“Fiji’s risk assessment surveys through the 2002 and 2011 NCD Steps Survey is already giving indication on our national directions in as far as NCD is concerned.”
Minister Waqainabete said it is an opportunity to change that.
Special guest speakers included the WHO Representative Division of Pacific Technical Support Dr. Wendy Snowdon, Fiji National University Dean for the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Dr. William May.