Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka joined world leaders and UN member states representatives, delivering a strong message on the need for global action on the prevention and control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and the promotion of mental health and well-being at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Rabuka says non-communicable diseases account for over 80 percent of deaths in Fiji, affecting nearly every family, while mental health challenges, especially among young people, are too often unrecognized.
He says these interconnected crises threaten not just individual lives, but the nation’s social and economic development.
Rabuka reaffirmed Fiji’s support for the Political Declaration on NCD prevention and mental health promotion, highlighting the country’s commitment to achieving global health targets and universal health coverage.
He highlighted Fiji’s efforts to strengthen legislation on food marketing, introduce healthy school policies, and invest in mental health services to curb NCDs.
Rabuka says they also recognize the central role of the World Health Organization in addressing NCDs and mental health globally.
He adds that, in tackling mental health issues, Fiji is increasing investment in mental health services, decentralising care, and training health workers to provide psychological first aid.
However, the Prime Minister noted that stigma, underfunding, and limited resources remain major obstacles.
Rabuka further emphasised the added strain small island developing states face from climate change, food insecurity, and geographic isolation, calling for targeted international financing to meet the rising costs of NCDs and mental health care.
He says there is a need for targeted international financing for SIDS to address the rising cost of NCDs and mental health care, and as a small island developing state, Fiji cannot do this alone.
