Late presentation of diabetic foot cases and reliance on traditional treatments are challenges for diabetic Fiji
Diabetes Diabetes Fiji is committed to tackling diabetes through prevention, education and treatment. This is a big challenge for us.
Fiji Diabetes CEO Marawa Kini said delays in presenting cases made the condition more difficult and costly to treat.
He said diabetes remains highly prevalent in Fiji and many people are unaware of their condition.
Kini says a lack of awareness leads to complications that could have been prevented with early diagnosis and intervention.
The CEO said the economic impact of diabetes is significant, with the cost of treating complications such as amputation and dialysis placing a heavy burden on both individuals and the healthcare system.
He said Diabetes Fiji is committed to addressing these challenges and will continue to expand its range of clinical services, strengthen education and foster partnerships focused on prevention and early intervention. Ta.
Kini says the company’s foot care program has successfully prevented 60 percent of diabetic foot ulcers from resulting in amputation.
He said that from 2014 to date, the organization has conducted 5,840 community service events, attracting up to 15,282 participants.
He said their testing had impacted the lives of 14,679 Fijians and helped raise awareness for early detection of diabetes.
Kini says one of their biggest achievements has been a foot care program in collaboration with partners such as the Ministry of Health.
He says the program has trained more than 300 nurses and successfully prevented 60% of diabetic foot ulcers from leading to amputation.
The CEO said this initiative has had a significant impact on the management and treatment of diabetic foot complications, improving the quality of life for thousands of Fijians.
He said that through the training initiative, 263 nurses, 180 doctors, 590 nursing students and 467 medical students were given the knowledge and skills to manage diabetes more effectively.
Kini says they are currently expanding their foot care services to 15 specialty clinics and foot care clinics in the region.
Additionally, he said they have established 48 special outpatient clinics and introduced foot care programs in 85 peripheral health centers, significantly increasing access to care for diabetic patients across the country.
