BY BEN BILUA
GIZO
Health officials have been urged to refocus approaches when implementing the national healthy setting resolutions.
Deputy Premier of Western Province, Brian Lotikena emphasised that targets should be on the root cause of health issues rather than clinical approaches.
He said spending more funds of promotions and conferences cannot solve the country’s health issues.
Lotikena stressed that more support should go towards how to create an environment that promotes healthy lifestyle in homes, communities, work places and churches.
He said the Healthy Setting initiative is a brilliant framework to encourage not only bottom-up approach but also inclusive if implemented perfectly.
“The Healthy Island setting initiative is akin to taking the fight to the root causes of our health issues rather than waiting for people to get sick and then addressing their illnesses at the hospital.
“This is perfect because we are taking a preventative approach where we create environments and settings in our homes, communities, work spaces, churches, and so forth, that deter sickness.
“It is less costly, very practical and once our populace becomes used to it, it becomes a healthy lifestyle.
“This in my view, is a more sustainable approach because we are targeting habits, behavior and mindsets,” Lotikena said.
He acknowledges the government and donor partners for supporting the National Healthy Setting Conference.
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