Japanese Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, H.E. Miwa Yoshiaki, held a Food Security Seminar in Honiara on Thursday with local journalists.
The seminar highlighted the ongoing cooperation between Japan and the Solomon Islands in tackling the alarming rise of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
During the seminar, H.E. Miwa highlighted the importance of medical care in the partnership between the two countries, saying, “Japan and the Solomon Islands have shared a decade of cooperation. Currently, one of the critical issues facing the country is NCDs.”
He further noted that Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele, had recently visited Japan and discussed the NCD crisis with the Japanese Prime Minister.
“We are now working together to address these pressing issues,” Miwa added.
NCDs, including conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and strokes, are on the rise in the Solomon Islands due to shifts in lifestyle and social environments.
Japan has been actively supporting efforts to mitigate this problem through various projects.
“For instance, from 2016 to 2020, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) implemented a project called the ‘Health Village.’
“This initiative focused on training village-based health promoters, aiming to raise awareness about healthy living and to encourage behavioral and environmental changes.”
Miwa also pointed out that the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10), held in Tokyo this past July, saw leaders reaffirm their commitment to addressing health challenges.
“The Joint Action Plan of PALM10 emphasizes strengthening cooperation to tackle both communicable and non-communicable diseases, including lifestyle-related conditions,” he explained.
Nevalyn Laesanau, Director of the NCD Unit at the National Referral Hospital (NRH), further highlighted the gravity of the situation.
She confirmed that over six people die each day in the Solomon Islands due to NCDs, with poor diet being a major contributing factor.
“NCDs are a major concern. It has reached a crisis point in our country. Many deaths occur suddenly, either from collapsing while walking or passing away in their sleep,” Laesanau said.
She added that approximately 89% of the population is not consuming healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, which is exacerbating the problem.
By Jimmy Nolan
Solomon Star, Honiara
