| Danial Norjidi |
HEALTH is everyone’s business. As such, the Ministry of Health (MoH) is calling on the whole of society to take responsibility for their health and to lessen the prevalence of obesity in the country.
This message was put forward yesterday during a press conference at the Ministry of Health, which was chaired by Haji Zakaria bin Haji Serudin, Permanent Secretary at the MoH; Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy) at the MoH; and Dr Justin Wong Yun Yaw, Medical Superintendent of Public Health.
During the press conference, an official MoH statement was issued, in which it was stated, “Good health is the foundation of a good life. Our own health and the health of our families and friends underpin our ability to enjoy life to the fullest. When we are well we are able to make the most of the opportunities that life has to offer and to play a full part in family, community and working life. In alignment with Vision 2035, better health for the nation is central to making a better country.”
“Health and wellbeing in Brunei Darussalam has improved over recent decades. However, our health today falls short of what we know is possible,” it was shared. “Although life expectancy has increased, good health is not just about how long people live. It is also about the quality of life and preventing people from spending a significant part of their lives in pain or discomfort, depending on others for support.”
The Global Nutrition Report 2016 shows that Brunei is hit harder than its Asean neighbours by the big killers of obesity and diabetes. These findings are not new, said the MoH statement.
“For a number of years now, we have been studying and working to raise awareness of these important issues. The results of the National Health and Nutrition Status Survey must surely give all of us cause for alarm.
Haji Zakaria bin Haji Serudin, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health; Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle (L), Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy) at the Ministry of Health; and Dr Justin Wong Yun Yaw (R), Medical Superintendent of Public Health, during the press conference. – DANIAL NORJIDI
“A total of 61 per cent of adults in Brunei are overweight and obese. Already the devastating effects of this can be observed. Greater than 30 per cent of the adult population suffer from high blood pressure, 70 per cent from abnormal lipid (cholesterol) and 12 per cent of adults suffer diabetes.
“The cause of this ‘obesity epidemic’ is clear – an inactive lifestyle combined with excessive intake of foods high in sugars and saturated fats. What is also clear is that with the appropriate levels of nutrition and physical activity, obesity is indeed preventable,” added the MoH statement.
The statement goes on to highlight that even just 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every day can lead to significant health benefits.
“We need to do this, in addition to healthy portion control at mealtimes and ensuring that half of our plate comprises fruits and vegetables. As individuals and families, we need to be honest with ourselves and recognise that we need to make some changes to control our weight.”
“Increasing physical activity is important but, for most of us who are overweight and obese, eating less and eating wisely is key to weight loss. Proper nutrition makes up 80 per cent of the healthy benefits that you get from healthy lifestyle whereas exercise only accounts for 20 per cent,” continues the statement, which goes on to note that the month of Ramadhan is a good opportunity to change our lives for the better.
The MoH also shared that, together with other partners, it has been addressing the challenges of unhealthy lifestyles through various frameworks including the Brunei Darussalam Multisectoral Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases 2013-2018.
In addressing obesity, MoH healthcare professionals provide direct care for those individuals who are overweight and obese, and also those suffering from the consequences of obesity such as diabetes. They give brief interventions, motivational, counselling, and nutritional advice to their clients, while also working together with other stakeholders in developing an enabling environment that supports individuals to make healthy choices for themselves and their families.
The MoH statement added, “Despite our actions, Brunei Darussalam continues to see increasing numbers of individuals becoming obese. Having undergone an organisational review and restructure, collectively the Ministry of Health has identified three strategic priorities: To make health everyone’s business, to prevent and control non-communicable disease (NCD), and to deliver excellent services through alignment and consolidation.
“In order to truly make an impact on these priorities, we aim to be more aggressive and we will explore and support innovative approaches to tackling obesity that are locally led.”
The MoH shared that, over the coming months, they will be working with partners to focus especially on workplace and employee health. They will tackle childhood obesity in collaboration with schools, other partners and families. Along with other government agencies, they are also exploring fiscal mechanisms that will reduce the consumption of unhealthy food in the country.
“Today, in light of the Global Nutrition Report 2016, we want to reiterate our commitment to tackling NCDs including obesity. We make a call for action for the whole of society to do the same. The Ministry of Health is committed to support the national effort to prevent and reduce excess weight.
“We cannot do this alone. A whole of nation approach to tackling this issue is imperative. Government agencies and non-government entities must consider the consequences of their policies on health, the so-called ‘Health in All Policies’ agenda.”
The statement notes that this is in line with the titah delivered by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on the occasion of his birthday on July 15, 2011 which emphasised the importance of a healthy lifestyle inclusively or ‘Health in All Policies’ in all of their daily actions, as a key to effective prevention.
“In this regard, we continue to look to the full range of partners in both government and private sectors including schools, institutes of higher education, and community grassroot leaders and civil society groups to encourage and support individuals to eat a healthy diet and become more physically active to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
“We urge the public to work with us by taking responsibility for their own lifestyle choices. Health is everyone’s business. Let us work together to build a healthy Brunei Darussalam.”
During the press conference, Haji Zakaria highlighted, “Health is everyone’s business. We are all individually responsible and accountable for our health.”
Dr Justin Wong Yun Yaw, responding to a question on the challenges faced, said “There are actually a number of challenges, but let’s not look at challenges, let’s look at opportunities, that’s the important thing.”
“Here’s an opportunity for the whole of the country to collaborate on an approach towards tackling a very significant issue. So for us, the opportunity is this: We can work together.”
He highlighted that this is not just the job of doctors and nurses. “Actually, it’s everyone’s job. It is how, at home, we ourselves can inculcate healthy living in our families. It’s how we inculcate healthy living in our friends and how we convince and sway other people to do the same.
“I think that’s the important thing: It’s about changing behaviours, changing minds and changing hearts, ultimately.”
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