GIFF JOHNSON
A new national strategy to reduce non-communicable diseases in the Marshall Islands was recently approved by government.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) — which include diabetes and high blood pressure — arguably account for most of the illness and early deaths facing Marshallese.
Health Secretary Francyne Wase-Jacklick underlined the urgency of action to reverse the trend that has seen NCDs continue to skyrocket in the RMI population.
The “recent hybrid survey results indicate that the NCD situation remains a serious concern,” she said. “This underscores the urgency of moving forward — endorsing and implementing the NCD Strategic Plan is a critical first step toward addressing the growing burden of NCDs.”
The problem is clearly getting worse. The newly issued NCD Strategic Plan states clearly: “NCD death rates have risen 25 percent in the past 10 years.”
Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) death rates have been increasing despite the RMI having signed up to the the UN Sustainable Development Goals, one of which is to reduce the NCD death rate by 2030. The response to NCDs in the RMI on the other hand has been one of the weakest among peer countries in the Pacific, as measured by the Pacific Monitoring Alliance for NCD Action.
It took a while for the draft NCD Strategic Plan, completed in December 2024, to gain endorsement at the national level. But, as of April this year, it is now official.
The plan is supported at the national level, including Cabinet endorsement and alignment with the recent Parliament “Health in All Policies” discussions. The Nitijela focus on NCDs was part of “further reinforcing the whole-of-government commitment,” said Wase-Jacklick. “We are aiming to convene another session (with Nitijela) in November this year to continue advancing this agenda. Notably, the Sin Tax was approved in the previous year, and last year’s discussions also pushed forward efforts on Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Strategy.”
The World Health Organization’s Pacific NCD Framework and the Pacific Monitoring Alliance for NCD Action provide a foundation for the RMI’s NCD action. The new plan focuses on five core areas: Interventions in the areas of environment, lifestyle and clinical programs, and surveillance and advocacy.
One important goal Health authorities are working toward is a nation-wide sugary drink ban in schools and churches.
Goals for the next four-and-a-half years (to 2030) include:
- Accelerating adoption of effective laws and policies that protect RMI youth from malnutrition and NCD risk factors.
- Increasing production and consumption of healthy, local foods, and decreasing use of “junk” foods.
- Expanding infrastructure and opportunities for physical activity.
- Improving the care of people with NCDs.
- Mobilizing local communities and individuals to take action to prevent NCDs.
- Addressing neighboring island health disparities for managing NCDs.
- Providing accurate annual surveillance updates of NCD trends and progress.
“This plan reflects a strong multi-sectoral approach, developed through broad stakeholder engagement and validation across key sectors,” said Wase-Jacklick.
The new NCD Strategic Plan emphasizes a “strong prevention-first approach.”