For countless families in Fiji, diabetes has evolved from a mere health warning to a pressing daily reality. As the country observes World Diabetes Day 2025, Kini Marawa, the Executive Director of Diabetes Fiji, announced the launch of an extensive outreach campaign aimed directly at villages, settlements, workplaces, and schools across the nation. This initiative, which will run until December 30, 2025, emphasizes the importance of screening, awareness, and early detection, as many individuals are unaware they even have diabetes.
Marawa highlighted the global diabetes epidemic, stating that 589 million adults currently live with the condition and that 252 million remain undiagnosed. The situation in Fiji is even more dire, with 16.6% of adults diagnosed with diabetes, contributing to the stark reality that 80% of deaths in the country are attributed to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These alarming figures reflect that diabetes is not just a personal health issue but a challenge that affects families, the workforce, and the nation’s overall progress.
The theme for World Diabetes Day from 2024 to 2026 focuses on “diabetes and wellbeing,” placing a particular emphasis on workplace health for 2025. Marawa urged that the campaign must involve active participation from all community members, emphasizing that daily lifestyle choices—such as diet and physical activity—are critically linked to diabetes management and prevention. Provincial Administrator Tailevu Ilisoni Lagi Vusoniceva added that even rural communities, once considered at lower risk, are increasingly facing diabetes as processed foods and sedentary lifestyles become more common.
Fortunately, the message is one of hope, emphasizing that diabetes can be prevented, delayed, and effectively managed through small but significant lifestyle changes like reducing sugar intake, drinking more water, exercising regularly, and undertaking regular health screenings. The Ministry of Health is also enhancing its community outreach through screenings, motivational counseling, and the Package of Essential Non-Communicable Disease services (PEN).
In a preceding event marking World Diabetes Day, officials noted that diabetes impacts approximately 30% of Fijians, necessitating immediate action for prevention and early detection. A call for a united effort to tackle this “silent epidemic” was made, echoing sentiments from public health advocates. Community initiatives and education serve as critical pathways toward improving public health outcomes, providing a platform for individuals to manage their conditions actively.
Fiji’s ongoing response to its increasing diabetes crisis encourages optimism. With a rising awareness and collaboration among various sectors, the campaign aims to not only address immediate health issues but also create sustainable improvements in health for future generations, fostering a community that actively participates in preventative health measures. This spirit of resilience and collective responsibility offers promising potential for a healthier future for the nation.
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