Concerns are intensifying in Fiji as malnutrition continues to pose a significant challenge, particularly among the nation’s youngest citizens. Sashi Kiran, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, reported at the National Farmers Awards in Nadi that an alarming 80% of children under two and 50% of school-aged children suffer from malnutrition. This troubling statistic highlights a major public health issue that demands immediate attention.
Minister Kiran emphasized the critical nature of this crisis, noting the direct link between nutrition and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) within the country. She advocates for utilizing home gardens, containers, hydroponics, and microgreens to grow food as a means to secure healthier dietary habits. The minister underscored the importance of educating children to grow and consume nutritious food, which is vital during the first five years of life—a critical period for developing cells, awareness, and taste preferences.
The minister criticized the tendency of feeding young children with processed foods, which can adversely affect physical and cognitive development and create a disconnect from traditional, nutritious foods. By encouraging households to plant crops such as saijan, bele, or rourou, which are rich in iron, Kiran believes that Fijians can improve their health without the need for extensive resources.
This message resonates with earlier reports that highlight a broader nutritional crisis in Fiji, characterized by insufficient fruit and vegetable intake and the rising consumption of processed foods. The World Health Organization’s guidelines suggest five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, a recommendation that remains unmet by a vast majority of the population since 2011. This dietary inadequacy is linked to the escalating burden of NCDs, including diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.
The solution lies in a concerted national effort that incorporates government support, focused policies, and community involvement to improve nutrition and food security. Recently introduced policies by the Ministry of Agriculture, such as promoting non-sugar crops and empowering women in agriculture, aim to tackle these challenges head-on by increasing local food production and decreasing reliance on imports.
Through sustained efforts and collaborations across sectors, there is hope for turning the tide against Fiji’s nutrition woes. By supporting local agriculture, revising school health policies, and educating families on the importance of good nutrition, Fiji could potentially foster a healthier population, ensuring long-term well-being and a promising future for its younger generations.