Diabetes on the rise, says Dr Waqainabete

The prevalence of Diabetes among Fijian adults was 15.1 per cent in 2020.

The burden that diabetes brings to Fijians, the workforce, and the Government is alarming, says Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete.

The Minister for Health and Medical Services made this comment while presenting the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Best Practice Healthy Islands Recognition Award to recipients – of the 10,000 Toes Campaign.

Dr Waqainabete said diabetes was on the rise, and it was no longer a disease of predominantly rich nations with it being prevalent in developed and underdeveloped countries alike.

“When diabetes is uncontrolled, it has dire consequences for health and well-being,” he said.

“Diabetes and its complications impact harshly on the finances of individuals and their families and the economies of nations.

“The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is focused on Universal Health Coverage and has remodeled its health services provision with a greater focus on outreach and decentralisation of health services.”

He said that approximately six per cent of the world’s population – more than 420 million people – live with either Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes.

The International Diabetes Federation estimated that the prevalence of Diabetes among Fijian adults was 15.1 per cent in 2020.

He said more Fijians were likely living with diabetes but remained undiagnosed.

“Working with health partners, the ministry is also strengthening the preventative, curative, and rehabilitative services we deliver to people living with Diabetes.”