WHO says alcohol use is the world's leading risk factor for illness, disability and death. Photo: 123rf
Pacific health leaders say alcohol and tobacco control are key to combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Health ministers from 38 countries are gathered in Fiji this week for the 76th session of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific.
The gathering will set health priorities for the region's 2.2 billion people.
Key issues on the agenda include tackling non-communicable diseases through stronger alcohol and tobacco policies and integrating oral health care into primary services.
WHO says alcohol use is the world's leading risk factor for illness, disability and death.
Fijian Health Minister Dr Ratu Lalabalavu said the statistics are staggering, with regional figures showing one person dies every minute of alcohol-related causes.
"In 2019 alone, alcohol contributed to more than 485,000 deaths in the region. Of men aged 20 to 29 years, nearly one in five deaths were attributed to alcohol. From cancer and hemorrhagic stroke, to violence, road crashes, mental health impacts, we know that alcohol leaves a mark."
According to the WHO, alcohol consumption in the region is higher than the global average. NCDs prevention coordinator Xi Yin said while some countries are making progress in controlling alcohol use, it is not enough.
"Our progress overall is just too slow and uneven. And alcohol is way too cheap; marketing is pervasive and it's everywhere. We need to price and tax up, availability down, advertising and marketing off.
"We need stronger alcohol policies... to ensure public health is protected and our younger generation is safeguarded."
Dr Piukala said while some countries have successfully increased tobacco taxes, more needs to be done. Photo: 123RF
WHO regional director for the Western Pacific Dr Saia Ma'u Piukala said tobacco control must also be a regional priority.
Dr Piukala said while some countries have successfully increased tobacco taxes, banned vape and e-cigarette devices, and raised the legal age for purchasing nicotine products, more needs to be done.
"Tobacco use is one of the most preventable causes of death in our region. Tobacco use prevalence remains high, and the rise of electronic nicotine and non-nicotine delivery systems is deeply concerning, especially among our young people."
The WHO had attributed tobacco and alcohol use as significant causes of poor oral health conditions.
Cook Islands Minister of Health Rose Toki-Brown said dental health is on the decline across the Pacific.
Toki-Brown said tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss can result in a poor quality of life.
"Cases of oral health diseases... have grown by 30 percent over the past 30 years. One in five adults over the age of 60 have lost all their tooth causing difficulty in eating and poor nutrition," she said.
"Oral diseases are largely preventable, but if left unaddressed, they cause pain and they reduce quality of life."
Upon the conclusion of the regional conference, delegates will launch a new five-year health strategy for the Western Pacific.
Other priorities include combating HIV and AIDS, and building more climate-resilient health systems.
The conference is the first in more than a decade to be hosted by a Pacific country, emphasising the region's growing leadership in health.
