Debate To Focus On Non Communicable Diseases
Discussions on Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs), particularly diabetes and heart diseases, will be high on the agenda at the forthcoming Speakers Debate scheduled to be held at Suva’s Grand Pacific Hotel today, Monday (March 27th).
The debate panelists include the Health and Medical Services Minister, Hon. Rosy Akbar, his Shadow Minister, Hon. Anare Vadei, World Health Organisation Pacific NCD and Health team coordinator, Dr Wendy Snowdon, FNU’s head of school for Public Health and Primary Care, Professor Donald Wilson and the general manager for Coca Cola Amatil, Mr Roger Hare.
The panelists will debate on the theme: Is it time for Fiji to toughen rules on junk foods and drinks to tackle diabetes and heart diseases?
Health and NCDs, including diabetes and heart diseases are increasingly being discussed in Fiji. NCDs impose a huge burden on the Fijian society both financially and socially.
They (NCDs) have been declared a health and development crisis since 2011, but are we really responding to it as if it were a crisis? Is there coherence between different policies and legislations shaping our development and health?
The SDGs, Fiji National Development Strategy, the National Strategy to combat NCDs and countless regional frameworks all call for addressing NCDs beyond the health sector. Is it time for stronger actions to address this crisis?
These are among other questions that will be discussed in the upcoming debate.
Meanwhile, members of the public are welcomed to attend the event.
The debate will take place from 5pm to 7pm.
