Diabetes is increasingly becoming a pressing issue among the youth in Fiji, raising significant health concerns. According to Kini Marawa, the Executive Director of Diabetes Fiji, an alarming 4.7% of Fijians aged 18 to 29 are now living with diabetes. This increase is attributed to shifts in lifestyle that include the consumption of processed foods and sugary beverages, sedentary habits, stress, and the challenges of urban living.
Marawa emphasizes that Type 2 diabetes, once predominantly diagnosed in older adults, is now being seen at much younger ages. The situation is exacerbated by late diagnoses, poor adherence to medication, and limited access to specialized care, leading to poorer health outcomes. The recent Fiji 2025 STEPS Survey highlights an overall diabetes prevalence rate of 30%, with associated complications such as kidney disease, heart disease, and amputations placing significant strain on families and public health services. Alarmingly, awareness of diabetes among the youth sits at a mere five percent, underscoring the need for urgent intervention.
To combat this growing crisis, Marawa has proposed a National Youth Diabetes Screening and Education Initiative. This initiative would encompass mandatory risk screenings in schools and workplaces, along with digital campaigns, school-based programs, and peer ambassador networks to raise awareness and promote healthier lifestyles. He stresses the necessity for early screening to become a normalized practice, free from stigma.
Moreover, Marawa advocates for partnerships that facilitate access to insulin for children and calls for the establishment of decentralized foot-care clinics to prevent amputations. He urges the government to allocate revenue from a Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax to support essential medicines, preventive programs, school sports, and diabetes care infrastructure.
Emphasizing the dire need for action, Marawa asserts that prevention efforts undertaken today will safeguard the health of future generations. He calls for collaboration among government entities, non-governmental organizations, and communities to effectively address Fiji’s escalating diabetes crisis. In a hopeful perspective, with a concerted effort and collective will, it is possible to turn the tide on this growing health challenge and foster a healthier future for Fiji’s youth.
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