Tuicakau: Take part, be involved

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is supporting the 2016 Island Chill Suva Marathon on July 23. Permanent secretary Dr Meciusela Tuicakau said the Suva Marathon would help in the fight of Non –Communicable Diseases (NDC). “The Ministry of Health and Medical Services regards this as one of the wellness activities and it’s a good arena to advocate for wellness in our communities,” Tuicakau said. “Around 70 per cent of deaths is due to NCDs and their complications, that is approximately 4,500 people who die each year because of NCDs. “We need to empower our communities and tell others that we need to prevent our young generation from getting NCDs. “The Ministry for Health and Medical Services cannot do this alone. It needs a lot of participation and involvement from the public, private sector and the community to fight this. “So I thank Suva Marathon for putting up such an event because I know a lot of people will benefit from it. They need to take part ad be involved.” European Union head of delegation Johnny Engell-Hansen said the EU supports the initiative by Suva Marathon and encourages the public to do something good for themselves. “We at the EU think running is a good thing,” he said. “Staying fit is something you can do for yourself, it is your opportunity to do something good for yourself. So I want to encourage everyone to get up and go out and go running and do something good for yourself.” The event consist of a Full marathon (42.2km), Half marathon (21.1km), Corporate marathon (10.55km each-4 in a team) and also a Fun Run (8km) which will be held for the first time Edited by Osea Bola