The economic burden of Non-Communicable Diseases to Fiji is estimated at around 406 million dollars annually.
President Jioji Konrote revealed this while speaking to educators at the Vaka Pasifiki Education Conference.
Konrote says this is a real threat and NCDs is an overwhelming burden to Fiji.
“Here in Fiji, the economic burden of NCDs is estimated at $406 million annually. This is a burden to Fijian families and the Nation as a whole. I have no doubt that other Pacific Islands Countries face similar loses relative to your respective economies. As Fiji’s lead advocate and champion of our national campaign to reduce NCDs."
The President says NCD’s cause up to 80 percent of deaths of our productive population throughout the Pacific region.
He urged the conference participants to incorporate wellness programmes into education initiatives and promotional messages on better lifestyle practices.
