Kontiki Finance donates vehicle to boost diabetes care in rural communities

For many people living with diabetes in Fiji’s rural and remote communities, distance has long stood between them and proper medical care.

Long travel times, high transport costs and poor access to clinics have forced many patients to miss regular check-ups, delay treatment and face serious health complications.

That barrier is now beginning to ease following the handover of a vehicle from Kontiki Finance Limited to Diabetes Fiji, a move expected to significantly strengthen the organisation’s outreach work in hard-to-reach areas.

The vehicle will allow Diabetes Fiji health workers to travel directly into villages where access to healthcare has been limited for years.

Instead of patients travelling long distances to towns, services such as diabetes screening, education, monitoring and follow-up care will now be delivered closer to home.

Speaking at the handover, Kontiki Finance human resources manager Leeanne Dalton said the initiative was driven by the company’s commitment to supporting community wellbeing.

“At Kontiki, our role goes beyond providing financial services,” Mrs Dalton said.

“Through this partnership with Diabetes Fiji, we hope to remove barriers that prevent people from accessing the care they need.”

She added that creating positive impact in communities was a core value of the company, noting that healthier communities benefit everyone.

Diabetes Fiji executive director Kini Marawa welcomed the support, describing the vehicle as a practical solution to one of the organisation’s biggest challenges.

“Distance has always been a major barrier for people living with diabetes in rural areas,” Mr Marawa said.

“This vehicle greatly improves our ability to reach those communities and provide regular, timely care where it is most needed.”

He said the additional transport would allow Diabetes Fiji to expand outreach visits, strengthen follow-up care and engage more communities that have traditionally been underserved.

Mr Marawa also acknowledged the continued support of corporate and community partners, saying such partnerships are critical to sustaining nationwide diabetes programmes.

As the vehicle begins travelling across towns and villages, it represents more than mobility. It signals improved access to care, reduced health risks and a step towards closing the gap between rural communities and essential diabetes services in Fiji.

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