THE Ministry of Health has dedicated this month to address non-communicable diseases and all related illness in the country.
Health officials travelled to Korovou in Tailevu on Thursday to launch the NCD month at the Korovou subdivisional hospital.
"November 14 is World Diabetes Day so the Ministry of Health decided to have NCD week in November and to dedicate one month to NCD, this is after the Pacific declared NCD crisis in 2011," said the National Adviser for NCDs, Dr Isimeli Tukana.
According to Dr Tukana, most people suffer from high blood pressure in Fiji which leads to heart related diseases.
Health officials said 19 per cent of Fiji's population between the ages of 25 and 64 suffered from high blood pressure while 16 per cent had diabetes.
"There is no difference according to divisions but more people in urban areas are affected than those in the rural communities and more women than men suffer from NCD related illnesses," Dr Tukana said.
He said while high blood pressure, high sugar level and high blood cholesterol levels were social problems more than medical problems, it was only wise to change social habits in order to prevent NCDs.
"Social solutions are more important than medical solutions.
"When trying to keep your blood normal, social habits like eating, breathing, moving, thinking, sex and resting are all important aspects of NCD and communicable diseases control."
He said the important message that people needed to know was that the Health Ministry was encouraging all Fijians to have regular medical check-ups.
"We are encouraging all Fijians 30 years and over to check how normal their bloods are and make the appropriate changes to your social habits.
"Every Fijian has the right to wellness and the Ministry of Health is willing to partner with you in this endeavour," Dr Tukana said.
Health teams have been mobilised to launch NCD month in other health centres around the country.