Diabetes Fiji is urging people to stop stigmatising and discriminating against people living with diabetes.

During his recent visit to seven diabetes peer groups in Vanua Levu, Diabetes Fiji community programme co-ordinator Marawa Kini was informed by the leaders that some villagers claimed that, according to their belief, people suffered from diabetes as a curse from God.

It is said they (iTaukei community) also believed that people living with diabetes could only be cured using herbal medicine

Mr Kini clarified that the Ministry of Health and Medical Service did not agree with this belief.

He said people should seek assistance from medical professionals.

“There are many people living with diabetes who refuse to come out openly to seek medical attention because they fear being discriminated against,” Mr Kini said.

“We are urging people to change their mindset and encourage diabetic patients to comply with the advice given to them by medical professionals.”

Statistics

He said from this seven peer groups there were 150 diabetic members.

“We have observed from 2016 to 2018 that the number of people living with diabetes has increased,” Mr Kini said.

“One of the contributing factors could be the effectiveness of awareness programme and confidence in community outreach programmes organised by various Government departments.”

Edited by Epineri Vula

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