Diabetes Awareness Outreach Programme Goes to Kadavu

WoD candidate Marawa Kini, of charity partner Diabetes Fiji, conducts outreach programmes in communities to create awareness on diabetes prevention and control; and increasing knowledge and skills on how to keep blood sugar normal and prevent complications.

In January, a Diabetes Open Day was held on Kadavu saw the health screening of 136 individuals. Activities included screening, doctor consultation, blood test, foot and eye assessment, cooking demo, physio power exercise, dental check up, and counselling on stress management.

The programme was opened by the Acting Sub-Divisional Medical Officer Dr Rafaele Kelekele who sent a strong message on the need to change lifestyle as the youngest living with diabetes on the island is a 23-year-old.

The programme was an eye opener for many as this was the first time they had their HbA1c test and one-to-one counselling, by Empower Pacific, on stress management.

“We were fortunate to be accompanied by the agriculture department, youth empowerment officer, and business stakeholders to create awareness on food security,” said Kini.

“It is critical to understand the importance of family and community support in managing diabetes and its complications.” Kini said Diabetes Fiji would work towards engaging other government departments and civil and private sector stakeholders to strengthen the outreach activities. “We must extend the outreach to train caregivers so that they can comprehensively address issues on basic diabetes care,” said Kini. Diabetes Fiji is looking at initiating a peer-to-peer mentor programme on Kadavu.