Wearing white t-shirts with “Let ‘s Fight Diabetes Together” emblazoned on the front, leaders from various Fiji churches recently walked from Albert Park to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' chapel at Berry Road in Suva Fiji in a bid to proactively prevent and beat diabetes.
About 18% of Fiji’s population suffer from the effects of diabetes.
Dr Dean Clark, a US foot doctor, and his wife, Joyce, are humanitarian missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fiji. They assist Diabetes Fiji with setting up foot clinics around the country.
According to Dr Clark, “The purpose of the pastors' walk today was to show the community that the religious leaders are united in their efforts to fight diabetes. This is a national problem that can be best conquered by understanding that diabetes can be controlled by choosing to live a healthy lifestyle."
The walk was followed by a screening for diabetes organised with Diabetes Fiji. A talk was given to the group by Dr Tukana, National Advisor for Non-Communicable Diseases, followed by breakfast.
In his speech to the faith leaders, Dr Tukana said that communicable and non-communicable diseases (CDs and NCDs) are lifestyle diseases which can be addressed by pastors and church leaders because they are very influential in shaping and changing the lifestyles of their flocks. Tukana said he has been waiting since 2009 for an opportunity to talk to these leaders about wellness and how they can be part of the solution for Fiji.
The four main risk factors for NCDs are smoking, nutrition, alcohol, and physical activities or SNAP. Dr Tukana said, “To deal with illness we need to have wellness, and part of wellness is making a change in our lifestyles."
The religious leaders are the driving force behind World Diabetes Day which will be celebrated on 12 November 2016. Diabetes Fiji, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, are anxious to support this day in reaching out to the community in an effort to control diabetes.