Diabetes Fiji has launched a significant one-year community health project in the Naiyalayala district, focusing on five specific villages to enhance lifestyles and improve the early detection of non-communicable diseases in remote areas. This initiative, entirely funded by the Fiji Water Foundation, is also supported by Asco Motors and Kontiki.
Program Coordinator Tima Niumataiwalu shared that the initiative will take place in the villages of Naseyani, Nananu, Rabulu, Dauniivi, and Togovere, where residents will work alongside Fiji Water Ambassadors to promote healthier living practices. Initial health screenings conducted in December encountered low participation rates, highlighting the urgent need for increased community engagement. In response, five peer support groups have been set up, one in each village, with trained leaders equipped with the necessary tools for health screenings and data reporting back to Diabetes Fiji.
To strengthen community health initiatives, Niumataiwalu mentioned that these peer leaders received training on how to seek support from various governmental organizations, with assistance from the Ministries of Agriculture and Social Welfare and partners like Empower Pacific. Recent advancements in communication have made a notable difference; the installation of Starlink connectivity by the Fiji Water Foundation has significantly improved connectivity for remote villages such as Naseyani and Nananu.
Diabetes Fiji Executive Director Kini Marawa stressed that this project aligns with the organization’s mission of serving underserved communities in Viti Levu’s interior. He pointed out that the initiative supports the World Health Organization’s goal of Universal Health Coverage and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to ensure inclusivity in health access.
Implemented through the Tavua and Rakiraki medical subdivisions in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Marawa emphasized that the success of this initiative depends on ongoing and robust community involvement, which is essential for advancing public health in these regions. This project represents a positive stride toward improved health outcomes and resilience in these remote communities, showcasing a commitment to bettering the lives of those often overlooked.