SUVA, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- A Fijian official warned on Tuesday that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected many Fijians' ability to access healthy food which is important for people during this difficult times.
According to Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC), speaking at the launch of the Food and Health Guidelines for Fiji project, Acting Permanent Secretary for Fiji's Health Ministry James Fong said that it is important to maintain a healthy diet during these times to prevent communicable and non-communicable diseases, but the pandemic, which has resulted in job losses, has led to a reduction in Fijians' ability to afford nutritional food.
"The COVID-19 crisis has shown the extent to which a local health crisis can rapidly evolve into a pandemic that puts pressure not only on the health system but also on agriculture and food system, livelihoods, businesses and the economy at large. Good nutrition levels are important before, during and after infection contributing to a strong immune response to the disease," he said.
Fong pointed out that the COVID-19 crisis has accentuated many of the food systems vulnerabilities with potential impacts on the food and nutrition security of the Fijian population.
The ministry called on Fijians to go local, and plant their own vegetables to ensure they have access to safe, adequate and healthy food.
Fiji has conducted more than 10,000 COVID-19 tests so far.
The island nation has reported a total of 32 COVID-19 cases since March 19 this year. Most of the patients have fully recovered and two persons have died.
Currently, Fiji still maintains a nationwide curfew effective from March 30 this year. Enditem
