‘Cycles Of Poverty’: The Impact Of Non-Communicable Diseases In The Pacific

Christina
Persico, RNZ Pacific bulletin editor

A
senior Pacific health lecturer says non-communicable
diseases (NCDs) can trap families in “cycles of
poverty”.

A health survey found
almost all adults in Fiji aged between 18 and 69 – 98.5
percent – have at least one risk factor for NCDs, while
nearly half are living with three or more.

It also
found more than one-third of adults have high blood
pressure, but fewer than one in four have it controlled; and
salt consumption is double the recommended
intake.

More than two-thirds (68.1 percent) of adults
are overweight or obese, disproportionately affecting
women.

Tuala Dr Ali’itasi Su’a-Tavila from Victoria
University said NCDs are not just medical conditions, but
social, economic, cultural and generational
challenges.

She said chronic illness often leads to
stress, anxiety and depression, and financial strain from
medical costs can also cause emotional
pressure.

“Economic and financial impact, and it’s to
do with high healthcare costs for medication; reduced
ability to work due to illness or disability; and so NCDs
can trap families and communities in cycles of poverty and
financial hardship,” she said.

Tuala said there are a
lot of contributing factors, from diet change – rapid
transition from traditional diets like root crops and fresh
fish to imported, ultra-processed food – aggressive
marketing of sugary drinks, and economic constraints and
food insecurity in the Pacific.

Fiji’s health ministry
said a whole-of-society response is needed, and it has
outlined a five-year roadmap which includes stronger food
and fiscal policies, such as tax on unhealthy products; and
strengthening primary health care.

“Without urgent and
sustained action, preventable illness and premature death
will continue to rise,” the ministry said.

It said the
report underscores that NCDs are driven not only by
individual choices but by broader factors – including food
systems and marketing.

Tuala agreed, saying addressing
NCD issues in the Pacific requires system-level change, not
just individual behavioural change.

“The most
effective strategies I believe will be the combination of
healthier environment, stronger health system, economic and
social support, and culturally appropriate community
leadership – because the relationship between government and
community villages must also be strengthened so they can
work hand-in-hand to address the issue.

“I’m
emphasizing the importance of strong relationship between
government or between the health system and the village
people… because the implementation part of health
policies, it should be equally strong when they develop the
health policy.

“Bottom line is, yes, taxes on healthy
products and stronger healthcare system can make a real
difference, but they are most effective when they have a
strong relationship with the community.”

Tuala said
NCDs in the region are driven by structural conditions, so
the solutions must also be structural, community-centred,
and long
term.

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