The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is working with government and other partners to decrease the number of Fiji children and youth with diabetes, as well as to identify — earlier on — cases of diabetes among young people.
On 6 February 2015 Young Diabetes Fiji (YDF) conducted free medical check-ups and screenings for students from Fiji’s Mau and Ro Camaisala primary schools.
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Close to 300 students were weighed, measured and screened for diabetes. The students were also counselled on diet, exercise and other healthy living practices.
YDF will forward information on the cases of concern that were identified during screening to local health centres.
YDF’s president, Shivanjani, said, “This is a pro-active approach to prevent rise of diabetes among young children.”
“We are trying to identify the unknown cases and also to identify those at high risk of getting diabetes in the future. We will work with local health and educational ministries to help in the prevention and management of diabetes among children. We are looking at screening close to 10,000 school children by the end this year, provided we are able to secure adequate sponsorship to fund the project.”
The project was sponsored by YDF, Aspire Network, Fiji Police Force Bluelight, 2014 Fijian Youth Parliament and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is focused on working with others to lower the incidence of diabetes in many countries, in addition to Fiji. The Church has offered assistance with educational awareness and screening programs, use of buildings, volunteer helpers and other support.