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🇫🇯 Fiji /Health & Science

Non-Communicable Diseases Strain Fiji's Health System, Claiming 80% of Adult Deaths

From FBC News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are placing immense strain on Fiji's health system, accounting for 80% of adult deaths.
  • Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer are prevalent, leading to premature deaths in people aged 40-60.
  • Health officials emphasize that many NCDs are preventable through healthier lifestyles, early intervention, and community-based health projects.

Fiji's health system is facing an alarming crisis as Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) now account for 80 percent of adult deaths, placing enormous pressure on healthcare resources. Rufina Latu, a member of the JP Bayly Trust Board of Trustees, described NCDs as "a killer in Fiji," noting the increasing prevalence of expensive treatments like kidney dialysis.

People need not die so early. They have a family to look after.

— Rufina LatuHighlighting the premature deaths caused by NCDs and the impact on families.

Heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and mental health conditions are devastating families across the nation. Hospitals are witnessing severe complications daily, with many individuals dying prematurely in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. Latu stressed that a significant number of these illnesses are preventable, highlighting the critical need for healthier lifestyles and early intervention.

The Ministry of Health step survey in 2025 gave us some very strong, revealing statistics that NCDs are killing our people.

— Rufina LatuReferencing the survey data that underscores the severity of the NCD crisis in Fiji.

The Ministry of Health's 2025 STEP Survey has provided stark statistics, revealing the relentless impact of NCDs on the Fijian population. Dr. Joji Naqaravatu, Senior Medical Officer at Nuffield Health Centre, emphasized that prevention must start at the community level. He called for accessible healthy food options, safe recreational spaces for children, and a culture that actively promotes regular exercise.

Prevention begins in communities, where people have access to healthy food, safe spaces for children to play and a culture that encourages regular exercise.

— Dr. Joji NaqaravatuEmphasizing the community-based approach needed for NCD prevention.

Dr. Naqaravatu believes that projects focused on improving community health are essential for building healthier future generations. By addressing the root causes and promoting preventative measures, Fiji can begin to reduce the growing burden of NCDs on its healthcare system and improve the overall well-being of its citizens.

Projects that improve community health will help build healthier generations and reduce the growing burden of NCDs on Fiji’s health system.

— Dr. Joji NaqaravatuStating the long-term benefits of community health initiatives in combating NCDs.
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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