Lifestyle diseases on rise in Bougainville

Lifestyle diseases are now common in Papua New Guinea and also in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

A research has been carried out in the region and has revealed that diseases like diabetes is very common amongst the population.

The lack of exercise to keep physically fit, the consumption of sweets, especially soft drinks and a lot of sugar is now a common habit.

Underage smoking and drinking of alcohol is rampant all over the region and this has now led to obesity and diabetes.

Dr Patrick Diou of the Bougainville division of health told PNG Loop it has now  become worse over the years despite awareness campaigns by the health division.

“We really need a healthy population on Bougainville in order for us to maintain autonomy and also head for referendum and eventually independence, we need to be healthy,” Diou said.

The sale of doughnuts buttered with cream is now a favourite for school children, and a lot of these doughnuts are made from flour and water and where the water has been accessed a lot of people don’t know and school children have been banned by parents not to eat junk food.

Author: 
Peterson Tseraha