SALUTATIONS
• Honorable Ministers & Members of Parliament,
• Members of Diabetes Fiji Incorporated,
• Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
• Patients living with chronic disease and care-givers,
• Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Ni sa Bula Vina’a, and a very good evening, to you all. I would like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the and on which we stand today, ki Nadonumai, vua na Turaga na Tui Suva.
I pay my respect to their Chiefs past and present, as well as to emerging leaders and members of the Vanua o’ Nadonumai who may be present here this evening. I acknowledge their role in caring for the Vanua.
I am delighted to join you this evening to launch the National Diabetes Campaign 2024. The campaign is led by the dedicated team at Diabetes Fiji and the National Wellness Centre of the Ministry of Health.
This campaign reflects the Coalition Government’s commitment to address one of our greatest health challenge —
diabetes, a silent killer that impacts thousands of lives. The 2024 National Diabetes Campaign is organized by Diabetes Fiji Inc., in collaboration with the Pacific Community and the National Wellness Centre.
They will conduct a two month Health & Wellness campaign from October 7th to November 30th .
The campaign coincides with NCD Month and culminates with World Diabetes Day in November.
Diabetes and its effects on the people of Fiji are well documented. Each one of us likely knows a family member who has diabetes.
The burden of health costs on individuals, families, the workforce, and the government is alarming.
Around 80% of deaths in Fiji are caused by diabetes and other NCDs, and these numbers are rising.
Children, adults, and the elderly are all vulnerable to the risk factors contributing to NCDs, including
– unhealthy diets,
– physical inactivity,
– tobacco smoke exposure, and
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– the harmful use of alcohol.
In 2020, we lost an estimated 5,700 Fijians due to NCD-related causes, with many of these lives cut short by
– heart disease,
– diabetes,
– stroke,
– uncontrolled hypertension,
– cancers, and other chronic diseases.
1 in 10 adults worldwide have diabetes. Over 90% of those cases are type 2 diabetes, with close to half undiagnosed.
In many cases, type 2 diabetes and its complications can be delayed or prevented by adopting and maintaining healthy habits. When not detected and treated early, diabetes can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. For people at risk of type 2 diabetes, knowing your risk and what to do is crucial for supporting prevention, early diagnosis, and timely treatment.
Saving lives requires action from all of us. People and communities must take full ownership of their health and well-being. Let me repeat that – individuals and communities must take ownership of their health and well-being.
Many of us seem to think that good health is a state that comes automatically and does not require work.
This means we must all be conscious in looking after our health and when we do have issues, to go for a medical check up rather than fearing the doctors and health centers.
The ultimate aim of this campaign is to bring diabetes awareness and early detection to the forefront of our communities.
Working hand in hand with faith-based organizations and leaders, such as Reverend Dr. Anil Ruben and his team, the campaign will start in the Bau district.
In collaboration with media partners, business houses, and local communities, the campaign will ensure that diabetes awareness reaches every corner of the nation.
The campaign’s business and community-based activities will reinforce the importance of leading a healthy, active life.
Importantly, the campaign will offer primary health screenings for early diagnosis and intervention, which is crucial for controlling and preventing the harmful effects of diabetes.
I urge every Fijian to seize the opportunity to get screened for diabetes. Do not wait until it is too late.
Taking that first step to get checked is a powerful act of self-care and responsibility. With the guidance of dedicated healthcare professionals, you have the chance to protect your future, your family, and your community.
Together, we can create a healthier, diabetes-free Fiji. With the continued support of our development partners, stakeholders, and the community, we will build a sustainable, framework for diabetes care, prevention, and education.
I encourage everyone here to work collaboratively — across sectors, forming alliances between individuals and organizations, such as Diabetes Fiji, the Government of Fiji, and the local business sector.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the National Wellness Centre of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, as well as civil society organisations.
In particular, I acknowledge the Diabetes Campaign Committee, for organizing this annual event with the support of the Public Health Division of the Pacific Community.
I also acknowledge partnerships and assistance from all sectors to make this campaign possible.
Last but not least, thank you to everyone here tonight for engaging in this campaign and supporting efforts to prevent and control NCDs while enhancing wellness.
I officially launch the National Diabetes Campaign 2024.
Thank you, Vinaka Vakalevu, Dhanyavaad, and God Bless Fiji.