Concerns over malnutrition continue to rise in Fiji, with the nation’s youngest citizens severely affected. Sashi Kiran, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, revealed at the National Farmers Awards in Nadi that an alarming 80% of children under two and 50% of school-aged children are suffering from malnutrition. This distressing fact points to a major public health crisis requiring urgent intervention.
Minister Kiran highlighted the vital connection between nutrition and the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) within the country. She advocates for the growth of home gardens, the use of containers, hydroponics, and microgreens as sustainable ways to cultivate food and promote healthier eating habits. Educating children on growing and consuming nutritious food is crucial, especially during the first five years of life, when development is rapid, and taste preferences are formed.
The minister also criticized the prevalent practice of feeding children processed foods, which negatively affects their physical and cognitive development. Such practices create a rift between children and traditional, nutritious foods. Encouraging households to plant nutrient-rich crops like saijan, bele, or rourou could significantly boost Fijians’ health without requiring substantial resources.
These concerns echo previous reports identifying a broader nutritional crisis in Fiji, where insufficient fruit and vegetable intake and increased consumption of processed foods have been documented. The World Health Organization recommends five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, a guideline largely unmet since 2011. This dietary gap contributes to the growing burden of NCDs, including diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.
Addressing this issue demands a unified national effort, combining government support, strategic policies, and community involvement to improve nutrition and food security. Policies from the Ministry of Agriculture, such as promoting non-sugar crops and empowering women in agriculture, aim to enhance local food production and reduce reliance on imports.
With persistent efforts and multi-sector collaborations, there is optimism for reversing the malnutrition trend in Fiji. By supporting local agriculture, updating school health policies, and educating families on nutrition’s significance, Fiji can pave the way for a healthier population and secure a brighter future for its younger generations.