Lautoka Hospital’s medical superintendent, Dr. Serupepeli Goneyali, stressed the importance of healthy eating habits as a preventive strategy during a recent nutrition and health workshop in Lautoka. Speaking at the close of the two-day event, Dr. Goneyali drew attention to the concerning trend of poor dietary choices that are permeating Fijian society, a concern that echoes similar sentiments expressed by health officials in recent years.
Dr. Goneyali highlighted that one significant consequence of unhealthy eating is the increased congestion in outpatient departments and various health clinics, contributing to the overall burden on Fiji’s healthcare system. He urged the community to prioritize nutrition, asserting that education on obtaining nutritious food at reasonable prices is crucial. “Our goal should be to educate people at the grassroots level about how to access good food value affordably,” he remarked.
Preventive measures, particularly concerning children’s nutrition, were a focal point of his address. Dr. Goneyali warned against the dangers of low birth weight children evolving into anemic toddlers—potentially leading to health issues in adolescence and adulthood. He advocated for a shift away from traditional, less nutritious feeding practices, such as the prevalent consumption of tea and biscuits or rice and cassava as staple meals.
With an abundance of arable land in Fiji, Dr. Goneyali encouraged the cultivation of diverse fruits, vegetables, and root crops, emphasizing that a balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health and enhancing wellbeing. This perspective aligns with ongoing initiatives by other health officials, including Fiji’s Health Minister, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, who has been vocal about the pressing need for improved dietary habits among citizens. Recent studies show that approximately 75% of Fijians do not meet the World Health Organization’s recommended nutritional guidelines, contributing significantly to the rising rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across the nation.
Both Dr. Lalabalavu and pediatrician Dr. Rigamoto Taito have also noted the intergenerational impacts of nutrition, particularly concerning childhood obesity rates linked to unhealthy food consumption. This collective effort among health authorities illustrates a growing recognition of the dire health situation and the need for actionable change in dietary practices.
Promoting local agriculture and healthier eating habits remains a central theme in addressing these challenges, suggesting that with concerted efforts, positive health outcomes can be achieved for future generations. As community engagement in nutrition education increases, so does the potential for creating a healthier Fiji.