At the United Nations Headquarters, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka delivered a powerful address, urging global leaders to prioritize the fight against mental health issues and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Fiji is committed to a Political Declaration aimed at preventing NCDs and improving mental health, Rabuka said, calling for a unified global approach to these interconnected challenges.
Rabuka emphasized the significant but often overlooked challenge of mental health, particularly among young people, which impacts social cohesion and economic progress. He pointed out that a staggering 80% of deaths in Fiji are due to NCDs, with mental health issues on the rise. The Prime Minister highlighted the necessity of treating mental health with the same urgency and resources as physical health, citing stigma, underfunding, and resource constraints as major obstacles.
Fiji is taking active steps to address these challenges by decentralizing mental health services, increasing investment in psychological services, and training frontline workers in psychological first aid. Rabuka urged for international collaboration and sharing of best practices to enhance mental health outcomes globally, emphasizing that health improvements require both medical advancements and global solidarity.
Echoing themes from international forums like the 37th Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting, Rabuka’s speech aligns with the growing recognition of mental health and NCDs as global priorities. These discussions stress the need for sustainable financing and strategic investments in health systems, particularly for vulnerable populations. As stakeholders worldwide push for holistic public health approaches, there is hope for tangible progress in improving global well-being through joint efforts.
The Prime Minister’s address highlights a critical opportunity for countries to collaborate on enhancing mental health strategies and tackling NCDs, promising a healthier future based on collective action and support.