Majuro, Marshall Islands – November 28, 2024 – Her Excellency President Hilda C. Heine delivered the keynote remark at the Health in All Policies Conference 2024, held at the USP Conference Hall. In her address, President Heine issued a call to action to address the escalating crisis of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), stressing the urgent need for transformative policy interventions and collective responsibility.
“This is no longer a future concern—this is the present, and the time to act is now,” President Heine stated. “Health is a shared responsibility, and the burden of these diseases affects every aspect of our lives, from families to our economy, our society, and our future.” She described the devastating impacts of NCDs as personal and far-reaching, seen in the faces of elders, youth, and children, whose future is being shaped by the current health crisis.
President Heine underscored that NCDs are responsible for over 80% of deaths in the Marshall Islands, with trends worsening. Her Excellency emphasized that the evidence is clear, the solutions are known, and the time for action is immediate. “We need policies that tackle the root causes of these diseases—policies that are effective, sustainable, and comprehensive,” she urged, reiterating the nation’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage for all.
The President also pointed to data from the 2023 RMI Hybrid Survey, which revealed troubling increases in health risks such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and hypertension. “These are not just numbers on a page. They represent real lives being affected by habits and practices that are eroding our health, threatening the future of our people,” she said. At the same time, she noted areas of progress, including improvements in fruit and vegetable consumption, as signs of hope and proof that change is possible.
President Heine concluded by urging unity and accountability from all sectors of society, including lawmakers, community leaders, healthcare professionals, and international partners. President Heine highlighted the Marshallese principle of “Wa Kuk Wa Jimor”—a call for unity and shared responsibility—underscoring that only through collective determination can the Marshall Islands overcome this challenge and forge a healthier, stronger future.
The Health in All Policies for a Healthy Nation conference, hosted by the Ministry of Health and Human Services, focused on NCD policy solutions to improve health in the RMI. The event brought together Cabinet and parliament members, international partners, and community organizations to discuss strategies for addressing NCDs through policy rather than medical services.
