THE national government has been urged to collaborate with churches to raise awareness and combat the increasing prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the country.
This call follows remarks by the Minister of Health and Medical Services, Dr Paul Bosawai during the handover of the China-funded SBD90Million Comprehensive Medical Centre to the Solomon Islands Government last Friday, describing NCDs as a ‘silent killer.’
Dr Bosawai highlighted the alarming statistics related to heart disease, which show a rising trend in cardiac cases between 2018 and 2020.
“There was an 11 per-cent increase in recorded heart disease cases at the National Referral Hospital (NRH), from 525 in 2018 to 583 in 2020, with men being more affected than women,” he said.
Dr Bosawai attributed the increasing rates of NCDs to unhealthy lifestyle habits, as revealed in the 2015 and 2023 STEP surveys and highlighted that complications from these diseases are becoming more frequent at the NRH.
He emphasised that managing diagnosed NCD cases remains a significant clinical challenge.
Former Honiara City Councillor for Vura Ward, Reginald Ngati expressed concerns about focusing solely on treatment, likening it to ‘fighting a losing battle.’
Mr Ngati believes the current NCD crisis is the result of unhealthy practices accumulated over time and therefore called for increased government support for awareness programmes, particularly through partnerships with churches.
“We have churches, such as the Seventh-day Adventist Church, whose doctrines emphasise health.
“The government should support these churches to focus on health awareness, alongside their spiritual missions,” Mr Ngati said.
He added that churches have historically played a vital role in uniting and supporting the country during challenging times.
Mr Ngati did point to lifestyle choices as a major contributor to the rise in NCDs and blamed the growing reliance on imported foods and sedentary habits.
“When citizens spend time consuming imported foods and doing nothing, they become vulnerable to NCDs. Laziness is one of the root causes,” he added.
Mr Ngati encouraged citizens to embrace active lifestyles and prioritise local foods and vegetables available in markets as a means of NCD prevention.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
