Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube says the cost of combating non-communicable diseases is enormous in terms of hospital care, equipment and awareness.

Narube said the cost of addressing the phenomenon of the non-communicable disease would conservatively cost the government $100 million per year.

He said Fijians know that non-communicable diseases are caused by their lifestyle but they make little effort to lessen the risks.

 “We must set a target to reduce non-communicable diseases. Many of us know that non-communicable diseases are the number one killers around the globe,” he said.

“We also know that the greatest causes of non-communicable diseases are lifestyles which are relatively easier to identify. Yet, we make little effort in Fiji to lessen the risks.

 “The keys to reducing and controlling non-communicable diseases are always in our life choices. I wish to ask communities to actively take up the issues,” he said.

Narube said everyone needs to get involved in highlighting this deadly killer and working with our families and communities to achieve the target.

By Nacanieli Tuilevuka