rp21 situational analysis - Pacific Health Voices

number of drinks consumed in a session was
13.2 for men and 10.6 for women. Almost
45 per cent of those who were drinkers were
classified in the high-risk category. 424
More recently, data for 2007–08 establish
that approximately 46.2 per cent of the
population consumes alcohol: 60.7 per cent
male and 32.1 per cent female, 425 with the
highest proportion of current male drinkers
in the 25–34 year age group (68.2 per
cent) compared to the highest proportion of
current female drinkers among those aged
15–24 years (34.9 per cent). 426
Other
Although there is no reference in the literature,
kava is consumed in Nauru, but there is
little discussion of problematic effects. Similar
to all other PICTs, Nauru has identified high
rates of tobacco consumption as a concern,
with approximately 51 per cent of women
and 46 per cent of men reported to smoke
in 2004. 427 This issue is being addressed as
part of the non- communicable diseases plan
for tobacco control among PICTs. This is a
positive first step toward the broad-based
introduction of tobacco control measures.
PICTs continue to lobby for ongoing exclusion
of tobacco and alcohol from the Pacific
Island Countries Trade Agreement.
7.5 Local responses
Legislation
The legal system of Nauru is based on the
British common law legal system. Currently,
Nauru is not a signatory to any of the United
Nations drug conventions. 428 The Liquor Ordinance
(Amendment) Act 1997 is the relevant
alcohol control legislation. As part of the
National Non-Communicable Diseases Action
Plan 2007–12, the legislative framework for
alcohol regulation and control is slated to
be reviewed, with funds provided by the SPC
and WHO. Issues under consideration include
pricing, licensing and marketing. 429
Law enforcement
Nauru is a member of both the PILON and
the PICP, regional organisations providing
the opportunity to identify and address legal
issues. At the most recent PILON meeting in
Vanuatu, the Ministry of Justice reported the
planned appointment of a Border Control
Director to oversee improvements in immigration,
customs and border control. This
decision highlights the priority afforded by
the Nauru Government to streamlining management
and operations of the three departments,
and it is seeking financial assistance
for the new position.
91
424 Nauru Ministry of Health (2005), Nauru NCD Risk Factors: STEPS Report. Available at:
.
425 3rd PDARN meeting, Fiji, 7–9 July 2008.
426 Ibid.
427 K. Rasanathan & C.F. Tukuitonga (2007), Tobacco smoking prevalence in Pacific Island countries
and territories: a review. New Zealand Medical Journal, 120(1263): U2743.
428 (accessed
March 2009).
429 Government of Nauru, Nauru National Non-Communicable Diseases Action Plan 2007–2012;
the review was planned for 2007–08 but it is unclear whether it has already taken place and
what recommendations resulted, if any.
Nauru