THE Pacific Island region has among the highest rates of diabetes and obesity in the world and this is viewed as a social, human and economic crisis.
Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) Director-General Dr Colin Tukuitonga said this and other non-communicable diseases were a high priority issue in the region.
“Diabetes is one of these diseases and over time this may lead to serious damage to the heart and blood vessels,” he said.
“In the Pacific the likelihood of you having a family member or acquaintance with diabetes is extremely high.
“Together we can change this because the most common form of diabetes in our region is Type 2, which is preventable.”
Dr Tukuitonga said SPC was actively engaged at political and leadership level in working to influence policy dialogue and build awareness of the issue.
“Efforts to prevent and treat diabetes will be important to achieve the global Sustainable Development Goal target of reducing premature mortality from NCDs by one third by 2030.
“Many sectors of society in the Pacific have a role to play in fighting diabetes, including governments, health professionals, manufacturers, civil society, churches, the media and individuals themselves.
“We would like to encourage everyone in the Pacific to raise awareness on diabetes, its debilitating consequences and steps to prevent it,” Dr Tukuitonga said.
