Non- communicable diseases (NCDs) are also known as lifestyle diseases and now account for 80 per cent of all deaths in Fiji, says the sub-divisional medical officer – Suva, Dr Pablo Romakin.
“In the 1960s NCDs account only for 15 per cent of all deaths. In the 1990s it accounted for 35 per cent and in 2002 till now it accounts for 80 per cent of all deaths in Fiji,” Dr Romakin said.
He said there was generally low consumption of fruit and vegetables in the Fiji population aged between 15 to 64 years.
“Eighty-five per cent is consuming less than five servings of combined fruits and vegetables per day and the most common type of oil used in preparation of food in Fiji is vegetable oil.”
Dr Romakin said diabetes was the most common cause of non- traumatic amputations and the second most common cause of adult blindness.He said the plan was built for the health of Fiji’s communities and included both policies and action on major NCDs and their risk factors.
Dr Romakin said they wanted to strive for equity in NCDs care at all levels at all times irrespective of ethnicity, colour or creed.

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