Health experts in Fiji are raising alarm over an increasing number of young Fijians going blind due to complications from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly diabetes. The Pacific Eye Institute highlighted that diabetes-induced eye issues, including end-stage diabetic retinopathy, are becoming more common, even among individuals as young as 22. This increase poses significant challenges for eye care services across the nation.
Kirti Prasad, the country manager of the Pacific Eye Institute, expressed concern about the misconception that diabetes primarily affects limbs like arms or legs while in truth, it can seriously damage organs such as the eyes, kidneys, and skin. The Institute warns that unchecked high blood sugar levels damage nerves and blood vessels in the eyes, leading to cataracts and irreversible blindness.
A critical problem identified is the reliance on insufficient health-seeking behaviors and traditional remedies instead of regular medical check-ups. Patients often do not realize the importance of annual eye exams until it’s too late, highlighting a need for increased public education about diabetes-related health risks. Prasad emphasized that once vision is lost, it cannot be recovered, urging diabetic individuals to prioritize regular eye examinations.
Fiji is not new to this diabetes epidemic, with previous reports indicating alarming rises in diabetes-related complications such as amputations and kidney failures. Recent articles have discussed similar pressing issues where health officials, like Dr. Devina Nand from the Ministry of Health, have consistently raised concerns about diabetes being a leading cause of death and disability in Fiji. The data indicates nearly 80 percent of deaths in the nation are attributed to NCDs, with diabetes playing a significant role.
Addressing this crisis involves a comprehensive national response, entailing preventive community health initiatives, healthier lifestyle promotions, and improved healthcare access. Initiatives like community screenings, lifestyle education, and accessible medical resources are pivotal. As communities are increasingly engaging in these efforts, there exists hope that through collective action, Fiji can curb the diabetes tide affecting its young and reducing the overall burden of this condition.
A positive development in the ongoing struggle with diabetes is the increasing awareness and mobilization to treat the disease with urgency, akin to the response to the HIV crisis. With scientific advancement, community engagement, and political will, Fiji holds the potential to improve health outcomes significantly, promoting a healthier, more sustainable future for its citizens. By educating and empowering individuals to manage their health proactively, the rising trend in young blind patients can be slowed, providing a hopeful outlook for future generations.
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