Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joined with others, including His Excellency, George Konrote, President of the Republic of Fiji, on Friday 10 November to talk about ways to reduce Diabetes incidence and help those already impacted by the disease.
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Photo Courtesy of Fiji Government
A parade and other activities took place in Suva on Friday ahead of today's World Diabetes Day (14 November)
Students from LDS College in Suva led the parade and performed at the event by singing the Fiji National Anthem.
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Keynote speaker, President of Fiji, His Excellency George Konrote, spoke to those gathered at Ratu Sukuna Park in Suva.
He told those attending that "it is within our ability to control Diabetes. We can choose a healthy lifestyle and eat fresh, healthy foods instead of processed foods."
The President went on to encourage Fijians to "stop smoking, reduce their consumption of alcohol and to exercise daily."
During the day, President Konrote visited the different groups who had set up displays.
Dean Clark, a retired podiatrist serving a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with his wife Joyce, and other members of the rehab team showed His Excellency the work that is being done by LDS Charities, the humanitarian arm of the Church.
LDS Charities has developed affordable and light-weight prosthetics that can be adjusted to fit. The Clarks also explained other walking aids provided by LDS Charities.
The President acknowledged the good work being done by the rehab team and their mission to help those affected by amputation and diabetic ulcers regain their mobility.
30% of Fijians are affected by Diabetes. Fiji has the 2nd highest rate of death in the world from Diabetes. Many more do not know they have the disease until they have blood sugars tested or are afflicted with cruel complications.
Learn more about LDS Charities mobility initiatives: