At the United Nations Headquarters, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka delivered a compelling message to global leaders, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as interconnected global priorities. He highlighted Fiji’s dedication to the Political Declaration focused on preventing NCDs and enhancing mental health, calling for an integrated global response to these challenges.
Prime Minister Rabuka stressed that mental health issues, especially among the youth, often remain unrecognized, posing significant national challenges that impact social cohesion and economic progress. He noted that over 80% of deaths in Fiji result from NCDs, while mental health problems continue to rise. Rabuka underscored the need to treat mental health with the same urgency and investments as physical health, recognizing stigmas, underfunding, and resource limitations as major barriers.
To tackle these issues, Fiji is actively decentralizing mental health care services, investing more in psychological services, and training frontline health workers in providing psychological first aid. He concluded by urging international cooperation and the sharing of best practices to improve mental health outcomes worldwide, asserting that health is contingent not only on medical facilities but also on global solidarity and inclusive policy-making.
Related discussions at international forums, such as the 37th Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting, have echoed similar themes, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable financing and strategic investments in health systems to cater to the needs of vulnerable populations. With mental health and NCDs increasingly recognized as global priorities, stakeholders continue to advocate for holistic and collaborative approaches to public health, reaffirming a hopeful outlook for tangible improvements in global well-being through cooperative efforts.
The Prime Minister’s call underscores a critical opportunity for nations to unite in enhancing mental health strategies and combating NCDs, ensuring a healthier future rooted in collective action and mutual support.