Photo: Nick Youngson / Alpha Stock Images via LDR
There is a plea for immediate action to improve education, access to care, and awareness of diabetes in Fiji.
It comes after Diabetes Fiji recently lost three members of their Young Diabetes Fiji program due to complications.
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), diabetes is the fastest growing health emergencies of the 21st century, with 537 million people living with the disease worldwide.
The IDF estimates 10 percent of the adult population to have diabetes resulting in almost 1600 deaths a year in 2021.
Last month, The Fiji Times reported that delegates at the Fiji College of General Practitioners annual conference were told the burden of the disease had "become a significant public health concern".
Diabetes Fiji is the only dedicated organisation in the country that advocates on the issue of diabetes.
Its acting chief executive, Marawa Kini, told RNZ Pacific there will be consequences if nothing changes.
"If we do not take immediate and comprehensive actions the diabetes crisis will continue to escalate.
"This could result in the increase of morbidity and mortality rates placing a significant burden on our healthcare system and impact the overall well being of our community.
"The cost of inaction is far too high."
The Fiji government has committed FJ$540 million to the health sector in its 2024-2025 Budget announced last month.
But Kini said the only a small portion of the fund directly reaches Diabetes Fiji.
He said a lack of access to diabetes services and care is a huge, but what needs to change is clear.
"Education and awareness; implementing widespread education campaigns to raise raise awareness about diabetes prevention and management.
"To improve health care services and to enhance access of quality health care services including regular screening, timely medical interventions and availability of essential medications."
He said there was a need for more funding.
"There is a need for more funding engine in terms of education and services as it will be enabled us to expand our outreach and support.
He said these changes will ensure a better quality of life for those diagnosed and living with diabetes.
