The World Health Organisation has thrown its support behind Fiji in reducing the high salt intake nationwide.

WHO representative South Pacific, Doctor Chen Ken, said that the Organisation has realised that people are eating too much salt which has led to high blood pressure making people three times more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke.

Doctor Ken stressed that in Fiji a recent survey revealed that there is a 19.1% prevalence of high blood pressure in the age group 15-64 years.

He goes on to say that about 75% of the deaths in the Pacific region are attributable to NCD's as direct result of high salt intake.

As a result, WHO has promised to support to Pacific island countries in the development of low cost salt reduction programs as well as advocacy and working with the food industry to reduce the salt content of foods and improving labeling.



Story by: Paradise Tabucala