In Fiji, diabetes has evolved from a distant health issue to a critical everyday reality for many families. As the nation marks World Diabetes Day 2025, Kini Marawa, Executive Director of Diabetes Fiji, highlights the launch of their most extensive outreach campaign to date. This initiative, which will run until December 30, is set to take place across villages, settlements, workplaces, and schools throughout all three divisions of the country. The campaign focuses on screening, awareness, and early detection, particularly aimed at addressing the alarming rate of individuals who lose their lives without knowing they have diabetes.
Marawa stresses the seriousness of the global diabetes epidemic, noting that approximately 589 million adults are living with the condition, with around 252 million undiagnosed. In Fiji, the statistics are equally concerning, with 16.6% of the adult population affected by diabetes and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) responsible for 80% of the nation’s deaths. This reality illustrates that diabetes is not just a health issue but one that has significant repercussions for families, the workforce, and overall national development.
The campaign aligns with the global theme for World Diabetes Day from 2024 to 2026, which focuses on “diabetes and well-being,” with 2025 specifically highlighting the workplace. Marawa calls for active community involvement to tackle this growing health crisis, while Ilisoni Lagi Vusoniceva, Provincial Administrator for Tailevu, emphasizes that diabetes is closely linked to lifestyle choices, including diet and physical activity.
Notably, recent observations indicate that even rural communities, once considered less vulnerable, are increasingly reflecting urban diabetes trends as diets shift toward more processed foods. However, Marawa brings a message of hope, stating, “The good news is diabetes can be prevented, delayed, and managed. Small changes make a big difference—cutting sugar, drinking more water, moving more, and getting screened.” This highlights that proactive steps can substantially improve public health.
Support for the campaign is further reinforced by the Ministry of Health, which aims to enhance community outreach through health screenings, motivational counseling, and the Package of Essential NCD Services (PEN). Echoing sentiments from previous discussions on Fiji’s diabetes crisis, the emphasis on community engagement, heightened awareness, and preventive strategies is vital in addressing this pressing public health challenge. With ongoing effort, education, and cooperation, there is optimism that Fiji can pave the way toward a healthier future, significantly alleviating the burden of diabetes in the years ahead.