BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO
THE ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has noted that Non Communicable Disease (NCD) is behind the high death rates and disabilities in Solomon Islands.
Under Secretary (US) of MHMS Dr Nemia Bainivalu revealed the matter to this paper during the launching of the World Diabetes Day in Honiara.
Bainivalu said the ministry has recognised that the impact of NCD has caused many deaths and disabilities in the country.
Bainivalu said with the increased rates of diabetes MHMS has developed the Multi-sectoral National NCD Strategic Plan 2018-2022 as the way forward to reduce diabetes /NCD.
These strategic components include prevent NCDs and promote health and wellness for all, improve control of NCDs through capacity building and health systems strengthening.
Also to monitor and evaluate interventions to track progress to achieve set targets, imposing taxes on sugar sweetened beverages, increasing excise taxes (on sale) of tobacco and alcohol and products, regulations and control of betel nut and appropriation of funds for programmes in the strategic plan.
He said NCD unit plans to encourage strong partnership with line ministries, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), faith based and donor partner to reduce NCDs/Diabetes in the national NCD plans.
Bainivalu said the whole of government approach is what is needed to halt the increasing rate of NCD / diabetes in the country.
This evidence is according to the SolPEN programme which stands for the Solomon Islands Package of Non-essential Diseases interventions.
It is a study that undertaken to check people for diabetes and is offered in all provincial NCD clinics.
