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BY JOY OFASIA
MISS Guadalcanal Ezinma K. Kausua, a contestant for Miss Solomon Islands Pageant 2024, highlighted the urgent issue of non-communicable diseases at the 40th Guadalcanal 2nd Appointed Day celebrations.
In her speech, Miss Guadalcanal pointed out that Guadalcanal province ranks third highest in Non-Communicable disease (NCD) prevalence among the provinces.
She stressed the importance of daily choices in diet and lifestyle in combating these diseases.
“Our health is at risk depending on the decisions we make each day on what we eat,” Miss Guadalcanal stated, urging the community to prioritize health as a form of wealth.
Miss Guadalcanal warned about the catastrophic rise of NCDs such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, chronic lung diseases, stroke, and heart diseases.
She stressed that a sick population imposes significant costs on the government and highlighted the broader implications of poor health on the province’s prosperity.
“Healthy people mean a wealthy province,” she declared.
Coming from a humble background in East Guadalcanal, Ezinma Kausua’s journey began at Numbu Primary School. Her determination and big dreams carried her through her education, culminating in a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Banking and Law, from Fiji National University in December 2023.
Miss Guadalcanal envisions a future where Guadalcanal is known not only for its rich history but also as a foundation of healthy and resilient leaders.
“My vision is to see Guadalcanal Province known as the home ground of healthy and great leaders with strong, determined spirits who never give up,” she expressed.
As a role model for Guadalcanal’s youth, Ezinma stands to empower young women and men to contribute positively to the development of their province. Her message is clear: the fight against NCDs starts with individual choices and community awareness.