Nutrition and physical activity

With the increase in noncommunicable diseases (NCD) in the Pacific such as obesity and diabetes there is an urgent need to address two of the main risk factors which are unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. In some Pacific island countries there are still high prevalence of undernutrition in the form of protein-energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency coexisting with obesity to form what is known as double burden of nutrition in the same region, country or community. To address these issues WHO developed the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health (DPAS) which was endorsed by member states in 2004. As part of its implementation in the pacific, promotion of healthy diet and increase of physical activity is done through multi-faceted programmes in settings of school, workplace and communities with supportive policies and advocacy at national level involving the multiple stakeholders.