The communities of Baulevu and Nukucalia came together to observe World Diabetes Day 2025 in an event organized by Diabetes Fiji Inc. and the Rewa Medical Sub-Division. This year’s theme, “Diabetes and Well-being,” aimed to raise awareness, provide screenings, and foster community support regarding diabetes.
The gathering was attended by health officials, educators, faith leaders, community groups, and local residents, with the Provincial Administrator of Tailevu, Mr. Ilisoni, officiating the event. The initiative was supported by peer-support groups and volunteers dedicated to diabetes outreach.
Diabetes Fiji highlighted that this year’s theme captures the complexity of diabetes, framing it as more than just a medical issue but also a concern connected to physical, mental, and social well-being. Officials stressed the urgent need for comprehensive care that encompasses treatment, lifestyle changes, and stress management within nearby community networks. The increasing rates of diabetes in Fiji intensify the necessity of this multidimensional approach.
Participants were reminded of the concerning diabetes statistics, which reveal that globally, one in nine adults is affected by the condition, and projections could lead to 853 million cases by 2050 if current trends continue. Within Fiji, the estimated adult prevalence is approximately 16.6%, with almost one in three Fijians diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes Fiji emphasized, “These numbers demand that we act not tomorrow, but today.”
The collaboration between Diabetes Fiji and the Rewa Medical Sub-Division aims to foster long-lasting community engagement through various initiatives, including screenings, educational sessions on healthy living, peer-support groups, and hands-on workshops like gardening and healthy cooking. The peer-support program, termed soqosoqo ni matenisuka, seeks to combine medical guidance with traditional Fijian values, thereby strengthening community bonds.
Diabetes Fiji expressed appreciation for its partners, particularly recognizing the leadership of the Rewa Medical Sub-Division, local faith leaders, and community organizations that play crucial roles in awareness and prevention efforts.
The organization positioned World Diabetes Day as an essential moment for action, emphasizing that prevention, early detection, and continual management are key to saving lives and supporting families. They encouraged all Fijians to participate in regular screenings, adopt healthier lifestyle choices, and rally behind those affected by diabetes.
Against the backdrop of rising diabetes cases and related complications in Fiji, this community-driven initiative serves as an optimistic beacon for transformation. It reinforces the belief that through collaboration and informed decisions, the nation can strive toward a healthier future for all its citizens.