NCD

Vanuatu launches renewed Non-Communicable Disease and Mental Health Policies

Public Health Director, Len Tarivonda said, “The Mental Health Policy and Strategy 2021-2030 is a guide to ensure provision of mental health and wellbeing as an essential component of health scare and services is achieved for all people in Vanuatu.”

“We must not forget that 74% of deaths in Vanuatu is due to NCD,” he stressed. He said,” Vanuatu is committed to reducing NCD related deaths.”

Vanuatu: caring for people with diabetes

On average across the state, one in eleven people are living with the condition.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. It is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation.

Sera has lost sight in her right eye due to her condition. Lower limb amputation is also common among people living with diabetes in Vanuatu.

Pacific rugby legends return to fight NCDs

   

The clash is a curtain-raiser to the All Blacks - Tonga test match but for the players, the exhibition game at Waikato Stadium goes far beyond the rugby field.

Seventy percent of deaths in the Pacific are caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and other obesity-related afflictions.

In New Zealand, the rate within Maori and Pasifika communities is three times higher than other ethnic groups.

Saturday's 'Battle of the Stars' is designed to highlight the players' call to address these health issues.