Diabetes Fiji calls for comprehensive measures to prevent diabetes

Photo: Nick Youngson / Alpha Stock Images via LDR

There is an appeal for immediate action to improve diabetes education, increase access to care and raise awareness in Fiji.

This comes after Diabetes Fiji recently lost three members of its Young Diabetes Fiji program due to complications.

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), diabetes is the fastest growing health crisis of the 21st century, affecting 537 million people worldwide.

The Israel Defense Forces estimate that 10 percent of the adult population suffers from diabetes, which will result in nearly 1,600 deaths per year in 2021.

Last month, The Fiji Times reported that delegates at the Fiji College of General Practitioners annual conference were told that the burden of the disease had “become a significant public health problem”.

Diabetes Fiji is the only organization in the country dedicated to diabetes.

Acting CEO Marawa Kini told RNZ Pacific that if nothing changed there would be consequences.

“If we do not take comprehensive action immediately, the diabetes crisis will continue to worsen.

“This could lead to an increase in disease and mortality rates, placing a significant burden on our health care system and impacting the overall well-being of our society.”

“The cost of inaction is far too high.”

The Fiji Government allocated FJ$540 million for the health sector in its 2024-2025 budget announced last month.

But Kini said only a small portion of the fund goes directly to Diabetes Fiji.

He said the lack of access to diabetes services and care was a major problem, but it was clear what needed to change.

“Education and awareness raising; conducting comprehensive educational campaigns to raise awareness about the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

“To improve health care delivery and facilitate access to quality health services, including regular preventive health check-ups, timely medical interventions and the availability of essential medicines.”

He said there was a need for more funding.

“We need more funding opportunities in education and services as this will enable us to expand our reach and support.

He said these changes would improve the quality of life for those diagnosed with and living with diabetes.