The region is confronting what the head of the Pacific Community calls a "double-headed crisis" with the climate crisis and the non-communicable disease crisis.
And Colin Tukuitonga adds that one problem will compound the other, which will add significant pressure to already struggling health services.
He says the region appears to be on the back foot in confronting them.
Dr Tukuitonga was in New Zealand last week to speak at a climate change and health conference at the University of Otago.
He told Jamie Tahana how exactly climate change would affect NCDs.
SPC Director-General, Colin Tukuitonga. Photo: Pacificwomen.org
