The Australian government yesterday handed over foot care equipment and consumables worth $130,000 to the Ministry of Health’s Diabetic Centre as a part of its commitment to combat diseases in Fiji.

The Australian government through its partnership with the Fiji Health Sector Support Programme was commended by Minister of Health Rosy Akbar, during the handing over on Thursday.

Ms Akbar said the new podiatry equipment and offloading material would be resourceful in enabling the trained public health nurses to make best use of these equipment when treating their diabetic clients, thereby making their services more effective and efficient.

“In an effort to improve the condition of diabetic client’s feet and prevent complications, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in partnership with Fiji Health Sector Support Programme launched the Assessment, prevention and management of foot complications training program for public health nurses in 2015.

“Along with the training materials, the Ministry of Health and FHSSP also developed educational materials for diabetic clients to inform them on how to care for their feet at home.”

The Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, Margaret Twomey, said the essential foot care equipment would enable those living with diabetes take better care of their feet.

“Better foot care will reduce infection that often leads to limb amputations,” Ms Twomey said.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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