Is Malnutrition a Major Concern in Fiji?

Suva, Sep 19 (NationPress) Malnutrition continues to pose a critical public health challenge in Fiji, with 80 percent of children under two and 50 percent of school-aged children impacted.

At the National Farmers Awards in Nadi, Fiji's third-largest city, Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran expressed deep concern, urging immediate action to tackle undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overnutrition, as reported by the Fijivillage news website on Friday.

Kiran called for families to embrace traditional farming and food processing methods, highlighting the significant nutritional benefits of local crops.

She advocated for promoting home gardening not just in times of crisis but as a sustainable approach to enhancing national health and cutting food costs, as noted by Xinhua News Agency.

Fiji is facing a daunting triple burden of malnutrition: undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and escalating obesity rates.

The World Health Organization has previously raised alarms about high rates of stunting and anemia among children, while poor dietary habits and lifestyle shifts contribute to non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

The country's heavy reliance on imported foods, particularly processed items rich in sugar and salt, has further exacerbated nutrition-related issues.

To combat these challenges, Fiji has rolled out various initiatives aimed at improving food security and nutrition, including school nutrition programs and policies designed to bolster local crop production.

The revival of traditional crops such as rourou (taro leaves) and saijan (drumstick tree leaves) is a part of wider efforts to encourage healthier eating habits and lessen dependency on imports.

In August, Fiji's Cabinet also sanctioned the country's inaugural Child Safeguarding Policy, establishing a unified national framework to guide ministries, statutory bodies, civil society organizations, and institutions involved with child welfare.

This policy delineates responsibilities, procedures, and minimum standards for organizations, promoting greater accountability and consistency in child protection, according to the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation.

The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection spearheaded the framework's development through nationwide consultations with children, families, community representatives, and child welfare professionals.

Minister Sashi Kiran described the policy's approval as a significant milestone, reinforcing Fiji's dedication to safeguarding the rights and well-being of all children.

Child safeguarding has become an urgent priority in Fiji, where incidents of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and online threats are on the rise.

Data from child welfare agencies and police indicates ongoing challenges in ensuring children's safety in homes, schools, religious institutions, and community spaces.

The absence of a coordinated safeguarding framework has often resulted in disjointed responses and gaps in reporting, intervention, and prevention. The new policy aims to address these deficiencies, as stated by the minister.