Acting chief medical advisor, Luisa Cikamatana, has emphasized that amputations due to diabetes can be prevented. Addressing participants at the launch of the Healthy Steps Project and foot care workshop in the Central Division, she pointed to the severe toll diabetes is exerting on the nation. “Behind every statistic is a person whose life, family, and future is changed forever,” she highlighted. However, she also offered a hopeful note, suggesting that with strong primary healthcare, early detection, continuous follow-ups, and well-trained nurses, significant strides can be made in addressing this health crisis.
As part of this initiative, 30 nurses who have completed a three-month footcare training program will play a crucial role in supporting health authorities by identifying risks early, providing necessary foot care, educating families, and preventing minor issues from escalating into crises. Dr. Cikamatana reiterated that this effort aligns with the national commitment to reform primary healthcare, ensuring it is people-centered, preventive, and proactive.
Moreover, she challenged the nurses to fully embrace and apply their new knowledge in their respective clinics, health centers, and communities. Each patient interaction is an opportunity to strengthen the health system, she said, urging the healthcare workers to learn with urgency, share openly, and fully commit to their roles as champions of primary healthcare.
This initiative aligns with the broader efforts by healthcare professionals, like Dr. Devina Nand and Dr. Sela Koyamaibole, who have also highlighted the alarming rates of diabetes-related amputations and stressed the importance of early intervention and education. In past reports, significant statistics have pointed to the high number of amputations due to diabetes complications, emphasizing a critical public health crisis facing Fiji.
With non-communicable diseases accounting for nearly 80% of deaths in Fiji and a considerable portion deriving from diabetes, it is clear that urgent intervention is necessary. However, initiatives like the Healthy Steps Project serve as a beacon of hope, emphasizing wellness, preventive measures, and community engagement as the foundation for reversing these troubling trends and improving health outcomes for the Fijian population.