The future leaders of the world were yesterday reminded about the reality of health and non-communicable diseases which continue to impact negatively on their countries.
The reminder came from Dr. Colin Tukuitonga, Director-General of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (S.P.C), who is in Samoa for S.I.D.S.
Dr. Tukuitonga met with S.I.D.S Youth Forum delegates to discuss the issues of health and non-communicable diseases (N.C.Ds), social development, youth and disability.
Speaking about the Pacific, Dr. Tukuitonga emphasised the challenge of N.C.Ds. “We have more obese children than ever before,” he said.
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“Overweight and obese children are likely to stay obese into adulthood and are more likely to develop NCDs like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age.”
The Pacific has outpaced the world in mortality from N.C.Ds.
In the Pacific, 75per cent of all deaths annually are due to N.C.Ds and as much as 60per cent of the health care budgets in some Pacific Island countries and territories are going towards expensive, overseas care.
And because N.C.Ds often result in premature death (before age 60), they contribute to poverty and lower workforce productivity, which in turn affects national development.
To address N.C.Ds, Dr. Tukuitonga said the focus must be on prevention, particularly in supporting healthy lifestyles for children and youth.
He highlighted the regional coordinated effort – the Pacific Partnership for a Multisector Approach to Prevent and Control NCDs – to strengthen the capacity and expertise to support response efforts in Pacific countries.
He said expanding the response to increase the focus on prevention means addressing the risk factors that are often present in childhood, adolescence and youth and he urged the young audience to avoid sugary carbonated drinks and to work together to address smoking among their peers.
“Addressing N.C.Ds and focusing on the youth population will result in a healthier, more productive society, which will in turn contribute opportunities for economic growth. With half the region’s population being under 25 years, this is imperative.”
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