Around 40 percent of Fiji’s population, along with over 800 million people in the Pacific region, are affected by oral diseases, according to Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services, Penioni Ravunawa. This alarming statistic was shared during Fiji’s country statement at the World Health Organization’s 76th Regional Committee Meeting held in Nadi this week.
Ravunawa emphasized that the prevalence of oral diseases is critical, as these conditions share risk factors with non-communicable diseases. Investment in oral health in Fiji, as well as in the Pacific region, remains minimal. In Fiji, nearly 47 percent of children aged one to nine suffer from untreated dental caries. Furthermore, lip and oral cancers constitute 2.9 percent of all cancers registered by the Ministry, disproportionately affecting men.
The Assistant Minister highlighted the urgent need to integrate oral health into primary healthcare and to enhance preventive measures. Fiji has initiated several proactive steps to improve oral health among its youth. Through 23 School Oral Health Teams, the Ministry has reached 158,000 children in 2024, providing oral health education and tooth-brushing drills. The Healthy 5:20 Smile Initiative has also encouraged preschoolers to maintain healthy milk teeth, with 2,278 children receiving their Bula Smile Certificates last year.
Moving forward, Fiji is preparing for a National Oral Health Survey, aiming to accurately define the state’s dental health before implementing further policy and strategic interventions. This aligns with continued efforts by the Ministry of Health to address the rising dental issues among children, which have been linked to poor dietary habits, especially diets high in sugar.
The government’s commitment to tackling these pressing health challenges is echoed in various initiatives aimed at creating healthier generations in Fiji. By focusing on oral health, public health strategies can promote overall well-being, paving the way for a brighter future for the young population from both a dental and health perspective.