Diabetes Fiji’s Chief Executive Marawa Kini highlighted the crucial distinctions between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes at the Young Diabetes Fiji Central Camp held in Suva. This gathering aimed to educate and empower young people living with diabetes while emphasizing the significance of physical and mental health.
Kini articulated the camp’s role as more than just an informational session, describing it as a space for education, healing, and building confidence. He passionately reminded attendees that diabetes does not define their identity, encouraging them to focus on their personal aspirations. “Each of you has a story, and that story matters,” he remarked, underscoring the emotional and social challenges faced by young individuals diagnosed with diabetes at various ages.
By fostering a supportive environment, the camp encouraged participants to become leaders in their communities by engaging in peer support and advocacy. The importance of parents and caregivers was also a key theme, with Kini stressing their vital role in providing encouragement and understanding.
The event successfully convened 22 of the 60 registered young participants from the Central Division, coinciding with school holidays to maximize engagement.
This commitment resonates with the ongoing efforts by Diabetes Fiji in raising awareness, as previously noted in Dr. Simione Voceduadua’s statements on World Diabetes Day, advocating for lifestyle changes to combat the growing epidemic. Like other initiatives aimed at enhancing health education within schools, the focus on diabetes education is poised to empower youth to take charge of their health and well-being.
The collaboration between organizations to advocate for health awareness and education offers a hopeful outlook for Fiji’s future as it continues to tackle the diabetes crisis through collective efforts and empowerment.
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