Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Discussion on non-communicable diseases expected at Micronesia leaders’ meeting

Posted at 23:19 on 28 July, 2010 UTC

The president of Palau, Johnson Toribiong, is expected to raise the issue of non-communicable diseases at the Presidential Leaders Summit in Koror this week.

The meeting brings together Micronesian leaders to discuss areas of co-operation on regional matters and will also be attended this year by representatives of Kiribati and Nauru.

A spokesperson for the President’s office, Risong Tarkong, says the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, which include diabetes and heart disease, is a problem for many small island states.

“The resolution from Public Health on non-communicable disease thats an epidemic there’s a sort of a resolution from the Pacific Islands claiming that it’s a critical issue that needs to be addressed. So this is something that he’ll probably bring to the table to have some direction on for recognising this for addressing as well as an issue.”

Risong Tarkong says other items likely to be discussed include fishing, clean and green energy initiatives, environment, climate change and establishing a shark sanctuary.