MORE than 120,000 Fijians are living with diabetes, with many more still undiagnosed, placing the country among the worst-hit in the world.
Diabetes Fiji executive director Kini Marawa said the figure was drawn from limited surveys and confirmed the scale of Fiji’s health crisis.
“The Ministry of Health and Medical Services 2025 Evaluation Report confirms that non-communicable diseases, particularly diabetes, continue to be the leading contributors to Fiji’s disease burden,” he said.
Mr Marawa said major gaps in accurate and timely data remained a challenge.
“The lack of accurate, transparent, and timely data remains a significant challenge. This is why we have strengthened our data collection systems through community screenings, peer support groups, and wellness programmes to track trends and identify high-risk groups.”
He said awareness had improved, but the overall trend remained alarming.
“What we do see, however, is a growing recognition among communities and workplaces about the seriousness of diabetes, which is an encouraging sign.”
Diabetes at critical levels
DIABETES in Fiji remains at critical levels, with devastating consequences for individuals, families, and the country’s health system, says Diabetes Fiji executive director Kini Marawa.
Mr Marawa said Fiji now ranked among the countries with the highest prevalence of diabetes globally, with an estimated one in three adults living with the condition.
“Diabetes is the leading cause of amputations, blindness, kidney failure, and premature deaths in Fiji,” he said.
Responding to queries from this newspaper, he said, diabetes-related complications also accounted for a substantial proportion of hospital admissions in all major divisional hospitals.
He said this was not just a health issue but a development issue.
“It is no longer a matter of individual lifestyle alone, it requires urgent, sustained, and collective action.”
He said the growing burden was affecting more than just patients – it was impacting the entire nation.
“This crisis has farreaching implications as it has reduced productivity, loss of income for families, and overwhelming strain on the healthcare system.”
He said there was an urgent need for preventative interventions in schools, youth programs, and maternal health services.
Urban and peri-urban areas see surge in cases
A HIGHER prevalence of diabetes has been recorded in urban and peri-urban settlements across the country, according to data released by Diabetes Fiji executive director Kini Marawa.
Mr Marawa said figures collected from their community outreach programs showed a marked increase in cases, particularly in the Central and Western Divisions.
“This rise is largely driven by sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and limited access to affordable and nutritious food,” he said.
He said residents in towns and cities were more exposed to processed foods, sugary beverages, and fast food outlets, while physical activity had declined significantly because of changes in work patterns.
In contrast, rural and maritime communities face a different set of challenges.
He said while prevalence rates may appear lower, many people in these areas lack access to regular medical check-ups and diagnostic services.
“As a result, diabetes is often diagnosed late, and by then, complications like kidney failure, vision loss or amputations have already set in.
“Vulnerable groups, including low-income families, people with disabilities, and women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, are disproportionately affected, regardless of where they live.”
He said they continue to work with health partners to deliver screenings, education and support in both urban and remote areas, but stressed that national efforts must also address access to care.
Dr Hawea calls for urgent government investment
FIJIANS as young as 20 are being diagnosed with diabetes and could face amputations by the age of 30, says private doctor Jone Hawea, who has called on Government to “put your money where your mouth is”.
Dr Hawea said amputations, once seen in older patients, were now happening below the age of 60.
“You’re not supposed to develop these things until you are 70 or 80, when your body starts to give up,” he said.
He warned that younger diagnoses carried devastating consequences.
Frustrated by inaction, he said ongoing discussions about trends had done little to change outcomes.
“I’m tired of talking about statistics. I don’t care that the age is getting younger. This is the trend in Fiji. I really don’t care about trends. If we are not providing solutions, then we are on the wrong track.”
Dr Hawea said past efforts to make diabetic foot care a second speciality showed the crisis could be addressed head-on, but government investment and leadership were missing.
“The Government comes at a policy level and at the level where infrastructure and resources can be allocated.
Changes need to be made on top, and the ripple effect will be felt at the bottom.
“We’ve been highlighting this problem as a crisis, but you don’t just identify a crisis; you need to put your money where your mouth is.”
He said labelling the problem without taking concrete action was ineffective.
Questions sent to the Ministry of Health last Wednesday remained unanswered when
this edition went to press.
