Health Minister Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete [Source: Fijian Government]

The Pacific Research Centre for the Prevention of Obesity and Non-communicable Diseases has been tasked to conduct solution-oriented research for Fiji and other Pacific Island countries.

This is in wake of the increasing cases of non-communicable diseases in the region.

Health Minister Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete says the Centre provides will provide timely assistance given the challenge of obesity and NCDs in Fiji.

“I for one having seen the growth of these over the many years, am excited to have seen C-Pond grow from its early formation given the challenges that it face, given the doubts that it had to clear through and now its recognition as a WHO Collaborating Centre and also that we know that there is an alarming trend of childhood obesity right throughout the Pacific”

Dr. Waqainabete says data gathered from the Centre will help in making policies to counter the decline of life expectancy in the country.

“Life expectancy is beginning to decline as a result of NCDs in some countries in the region, with C-POND and as a WHO collaborating Centre is an opportunity for us to change this alarming trend around.”

The latest results from the 2011 STEPs Survey which looks at the four main risk factors for NCD revealed that 32.1% of Fijian adults are now classified as obese.

The Ministry will carry out another survey next year.