Diabetes Fiji recently highlighted an urgent public health issue: late detection of diabetes is driving a sharp increase in amputations across Fijian hospitals. Chair Mohammed Taabish Akbar noted that many of these procedures involve patients who were unaware they had diabetes until severe complications arose. Currently, diabetes contributes to 65.4 percent of end-stage amputations in Fiji, while healthcare facilities struggle to manage the high caseload of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) due to manpower shortages and limited resources.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Akbar has emphasized the need for immediate action. The release of the STEPS NCD Risk Factor Survey is essential for establishing a comprehensive monitoring system to address the diabetes crisis effectively. With NCDs, including diabetes, accounting for 80% of premature deaths in Fiji, such data would provide a roadmap to enhance early detection and improve health outcomes. A significant positive development has been the partnership between Asco Motors and Diabetes Fiji; Asco Motors recently donated a vehicle to aid in outreach and awareness campaigns, extending vital support to affected communities across Fiji.
Advocacy Action: Get Informed and Take Action
Are you aware of diabetes-related amputation rates in your country? Consider researching them or asking your elected representative to find out. What policies are currently in place to reduce these numbers? If they’re inadequate, reach out to your representatives to push for stronger, more effective policies. Together, we can advocate for change that saves lives and improves diabetes management.