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🇫🇯 Fiji /Health & Science

Fiji Opens Wellness Centre in Marata Village to Tackle NCD Crisis

From FBC News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • A new Wellness Centre has opened in Marata Village, Fiji, to combat the non-communicable disease (NCD) crisis.
  • The center, a partnership between the JP Bayly Trust and the Ministry of Health, aims to prevent disease by bringing healthcare directly to communities.
  • Community health workers will provide education, monitor residents, and refer patients to facilities, addressing the high rate of NCD-related deaths in Fiji.

Fiji's fight against the escalating non-communicable disease (NCD) crisis has reached communities with the inauguration of a new Wellness Centre in Marata Village, Wailoku. This initiative, a collaboration between the JP Bayly Trust and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, is the first of its kind in the Suva subdivision, with plans to establish more centers in Naikorokoro, Lami, and Bainibualiku, Samabula later this week.

the initiative is aimed at preventing disease by bringing healthcare directly into communities instead of waiting until people become seriously ill.

— Rufina LatuExplaining the purpose of the new Wellness Centre.

Rufina Latu, a Board of Trustees member for the JP Bayly Trust, explained that the center's primary goal is disease prevention. By bringing healthcare services directly into communities, the initiative aims to intervene before individuals become seriously ill. Community health workers stationed at the center will offer health education, monitor residents' well-being, and facilitate referrals to nearby health facilities when necessary.

urgent action is needed as 80 percent of adult deaths in Fiji are linked to NCDs, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer and chronic respiratory illnesses.

— Rufina LatuHighlighting the severity of the NCD crisis in Fiji.

Latu stressed the urgency of this action, noting that NCDs such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, and chronic respiratory illnesses are linked to 80 percent of adult deaths in Fiji. The premature deaths of Fijians in their 40s, 50s, and 60s from preventable diseases leave families without parents and place a significant burden on the nation's healthcare system.

too many Fijians are dying in their 40s, 50s and 60s from preventable diseases, leaving families without parents and placing increasing pressure on the country’s health system.

— Rufina LatuDescribing the impact of NCDs on families and the healthcare system.

She appealed for broader support from organizations, NGOs, and communities to bolster the national effort against NCDs. Latu emphasized that promoting healthier lifestyles and fostering a sense of community ownership are crucial for reversing the current trend and improving public health outcomes.

healthier lifestyles and community ownership are key to reversing the trend.

— Rufina LatuStressing the importance of lifestyle changes and community involvement.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by FBC News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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