Approximately 40 percent of Fiji’s population, along with over 800 million individuals in the Pacific region, suffer from oral diseases, as reported by Penioni Ravunawa, the Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services. He conveyed this concerning information during Fiji’s presentation at the World Health Organization’s 76th Regional Committee Meeting held in Nadi.
Ravunawa stressed the importance of addressing oral diseases, noting their shared risk factors with non-communicable diseases, and pointed out that investment in oral health in Fiji and across the Pacific remains inadequate. Alarmingly, nearly 47 percent of children between the ages of one and nine in Fiji experience untreated dental caries. Additionally, lip and oral cancers represent 2.9 percent of all cancers recorded by the Ministry, with a significant impact on men.
The Assistant Minister called for the urgent incorporation of oral health into primary healthcare systems and the enhancement of preventive initiatives. In response, Fiji has launched several proactive measures to improve oral health among its youth. The Ministry’s 23 School Oral Health Teams have already reached 158,000 children in 2024, providing essential oral health education and conducting tooth-brushing drills. The Healthy 5:20 Smile Initiative has successfully motivated preschoolers to maintain healthy milk teeth, evidenced by 2,278 children receiving Bula Smile Certificates last year.
Looking ahead, Fiji plans to conduct a National Oral Health Survey to precisely assess the current state of dental health, which will inform future policies and strategic interventions. This effort complements the Ministry of Health’s ongoing initiatives to combat the increase in dental problems among children, often linked to poor dietary habits, particularly those high in sugar.
The government’s dedication to addressing these health challenges reflects its commitment to fostering healthier generations in Fiji. By emphasizing oral health, public health strategies can support overall well-being, contributing to a healthier future for the nation’s youth, both in dental health and general wellness.