AROUND 70% DEATHS IN PACIFIC NCD RELATED: PM LILO

Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo says around 70 percent of all deaths in the Pacific are caused by Non-Communicable Diseases, NCDs, such as heart attacks, strokes, cancer, diabetes related illnesses and respiratory diseases.

Honourable Darcy Lilo was speaking at the opening of the joint Forum Economics Ministers and Pacific Health Ministers last week.

Mr Lilo says Pacific people must be bold to try new things and do more than what we have done before; as outlined in our NCD roadmap.

He says these diseases are fueled by risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity and harmful use of alcohol.

Mr Lilo adds, current trends suggest the situation will only get worse unless action is taken now.