The Consumer Council of Fiji yesterday relaunched a multi- stakeholder partnership “Alliance for Healthy Living” during the National Workshop on non- communicable diseases (NCDs) held in Suva.
Ministry of Health’s permanent secretary Dr James Fong said the Alliance for Healthy Living was a coalition formed by Consumer Council of Fiji, Diabetes Fiji, Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the National Food and Nutrition Centre in partnership with civil society groups and members of the public.
“The alliance has been formed as a key outcome of the Sugar Sweetened Beverages (1) (SSBs) workshops organised by the National Food and Nutrition Centre that have taken place in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa during the period May-August 2014.
“It was born out of concern for the increased role that SSBs are playing in the prevalence of obesity in our society.
“Many studies link the intake of sugary drinks with poor health, including obesity, type-two diabetes, dental decay, gout and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease and premature death.” Dr Fong said he was glad to see the Consumer Council of Fiji had ventured into advocacy work on consumer health.
“Stressing more prominently the concept of individual responsibility for health and thus empowering consumers to assume more responsibility for their own behaviours and lifestyles.
“As part of this commitment by the council, this national workshop will see a close collaboration with Ministry of Health and Medical Services and other stakeholders to discuss pressing issues which is giving rise to NCDs in Fiji.”
Dr Fong said the workshop would dissect ways on how cross sectorial collaboration could be used to inspire change in consumer behaviour.
“This recognises the need to work collectively with other stakeholders and break the corporate culture of working in silos.”
