$15 million investment in tobacco control to generate $900 million

(Source: UNDP)

Fiji faces a significant public health challenge related to tobacco use, which could potentially save more than 5,400 lives over the next 15 years by implementing stricter tobacco control measures.

This was highlighted in the recently published Tobacco Control Investment Case, which highlights the need for urgent action to reduce the impact of tobacco on the population.

UNDP policy analyst Emily Roberts highlighted the importance of investing in tobacco control, suggesting that an investment of $15 million could generate substantial economic returns, up to $900 million over the years. future.

“So, in line with article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC, the adoption of a code of conduct for all public servants beyond the Ministry of Health, so that virtually everyone who represents the government was working on behalf of the government to adopt this code of conduct and also to establish clear guidelines to avoid conflicts of interest for government officials and employees.

Roberts also stressed the need to adopt policies that protect tobacco control efforts from interference by the tobacco industry.

Among the report’s key recommendations, Roberts highlighted the creation of smoke-free public spaces and workplaces as a crucial step in protecting the public from the harmful effects of tobacco.

In response, Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu said the government was committed to implementing these measures.

He assured Fijians that the Government is working to strengthen tobacco control efforts to protect public health and reduce the harm caused by tobacco use.