Fijians have been encouraged to work together in taking responsibility to address the issues of non-communicable-diseases in the country.

This was highlighted by the Assistant Health Minister, Alex O’Connor while opening the National Diabetes Footcare Symposium in Suva yesterday.

O’Connor says the public’s help is needed to address the deadly disease and to change lifestyle habits.

He says consuming lots of sugar, oil and salt increases the risks of getting diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

O’Connor adds the three leading causes of disability and deaths in the country are heart diseases, diabetes and stroke.

This is the second National Diabetes Footcare Symposium to be held in Fiji.