Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
10/17/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/16/2024 21:33
COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS NEEDED FOR A HEALTHIER...
We must advocate and develop agricultural practices that will nourish the current population and safe guard resources for those who will come after us.
This was highlighted by Minister for Health, Hon. Atonio Lalabalavu at the World Food Celebrations at the Valelevu Grounds.
This year's theme is "Rights to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future" and Minister Lalabalvu stressed the vital importance of food and nutrition security and equity in creating a healthier Fiji for all.
"In Fiji, we face various challenges related to food and nutrition security, including issues such as malnutrition and deficiencies in micronutrients, alongside the growing concern of overweight and obesity."
The line minister added that to encourage responsible healthy eating habits to be more accessible and affordable, innovative strategies and cross sector collaboration is needed.
"Government ministries, private sectors, civil society, international organizations, and our development partners all have a role to play in transforming our food systems"
"We must promote agro-ecological and agro-nutrition practices that prioritise environmental sustainability, invest in research to improve nutrition outcomes, and create platforms where farmers, consumers, and policymakers can collaborate on sustainable solutions."
Minister Lalabalavu stated that sustainable agriculture serves as the foundation for food security.
"We should also promote policies that strengthen smallholder farmers, enhance biodiversity, and address the challenges posed by climate change. It is essential to re-evaluate our consumption patterns, minimise waste, and guarantee that excess food is distributed to those who require it."
Minister Lalabalavu said education is crucial for promoting awareness about nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and healthy living and by imparting this knowledge, especially to children and young people can cultivate a generation that values and respects the food they consume.
This was highlighted by Minister for Health, Hon. Atonio Lalabalavu at the World Food Celebrations at the Valelevu Grounds.
This year's theme is "Rights to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future" and Minister Lalabalvu stressed the vital importance of food and nutrition security and equity in creating a healthier Fiji for all.
"In Fiji, we face various challenges related to food and nutrition security, including issues such as malnutrition and deficiencies in micronutrients, alongside the growing concern of overweight and obesity."
The line minister added that to encourage responsible healthy eating habits to be more accessible and affordable, innovative strategies and cross sector collaboration is needed.
"Government ministries, private sectors, civil society, international organizations, and our development partners all have a role to play in transforming our food systems"
"We must promote agro-ecological and agro-nutrition practices that prioritise environmental sustainability, invest in research to improve nutrition outcomes, and create platforms where farmers, consumers, and policymakers can collaborate on sustainable solutions."
Minister Lalabalavu stated that sustainable agriculture serves as the foundation for food security.
"We should also promote policies that strengthen smallholder farmers, enhance biodiversity, and address the challenges posed by climate change. It is essential to re-evaluate our consumption patterns, minimise waste, and guarantee that excess food is distributed to those who require it."
Minister Lalabalavu said education is crucial for promoting awareness about nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and healthy living and by imparting this knowledge, especially to children and young people can cultivate a generation that values and respects the food they consume.