Diabetes Fiji is advocating for substantial investment in specialist training and healthcare infrastructure to reduce the nation’s reliance on expensive overseas medical care for diabetes. In its national budget submission for 2025-26, the organization emphasizes the importance of developing domestic capabilities through postgraduate training in essential diabetes care fields. Chief Executive Marawa Kini stated that treating complex diabetes cases abroad significantly burdens families, and the focus should be on cultivating fully trained professionals and specialized facilities locally.
To support this goal, the organization is collaborating with the Ministry of Health and local universities to initiate postgraduate training programs for various diabetes care professionals, including dietitians, endocrinologists, and specialized nurses. Additionally, Diabetes Fiji is pushing for the establishment of the country’s first National Diabetes Centre of Excellence, which would enhance access to essential diabetes care.
Kini also highlights the importance of addressing the underlying causes of diabetes, calling on the government to reinvest revenues from sugary drink, tobacco, and alcohol taxes into preventative health measures. These tax revenues could significantly bolster efforts to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) nationally.
The Minister for Health, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, acknowledged the situation and reaffirmed that work is underway to strengthen the healthcare workforce. However, he emphasized that gaining experience takes time and is part of a larger effort aimed at improving health outcomes across Fiji.
The proactive measures advocated by Diabetes Fiji reflect a growing recognition of diabetes as a critical public health issue, alongside recent alarming statistics indicating that around 30% of the Fijian population has been diagnosed with the condition. The financial implications are substantial, with diabetes care costing the nation approximately $145 million annually.
Through increased training and a focus on local healthcare capacity, there is an optimistic outlook for transforming the management of diabetes in Fiji. This approach not only aims to enhance healthcare access and quality but also to foster a more sustainable health system that can effectively address future challenges.
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