Fiji
Fiji
Fiji has a low but increasing number of children with diabetes. Currently there are 12 managed from Lautoka, 6 from Suva, and 3 from Labasa. Insulin is provided by the Government, but glucometers and testing strips are only available intermittently in limited quantities in some hospitals. Families need to buy their own needles and syringes. Like in Papua New Guinea, there are only a couple of trained diabetic educators.
February 2004
The new multidisciplinary children's diabetes clinic in Lautoka is thriving. With guidance from the Program, a National Childhood Diabetes Register has been commenced, which is providing important information on incidence and prevalence. Health outcome review showed that not all cases were type 1 diabetes - some older children clearly have type 2 (the "adult" type). Childhood type 2 is now seen in first-world countries, as lifestyle changes result in overweight and less exercise. It is not as immediately life-threatening as type 1, but just as harmful in the long-term as complications to major organs proceed at the same rate. The appearance of type 2 diabetes in the Fijian clinics is of concern as it suggests many undiagnosed children and adolescents in Fiji and other South Pacific nations.
May 2003
The Program is providing assistance to all the children with diabetes in Fiji. Support from the Program has stimulated a truly multidisciplinary clinic in Lautoka, co-ordinated by Dr Taito. Social workers have recently joined the team, provided by the Family Support and Education Group and HOPE worldwide.
January 2003
Dr. Shabnam Prakash organised the first ever camp for children with diabetes in Fiji. The two-day camp was a great success. Unfortunately, Dr. Prakash is migrating to New Zealand. Dr. Prakash has been a trailblazer in paediatric diabetes in the country, training nurses and doctors, establishing a paediatric diabetes clinic at Lautoka Base Hospital, and instigating the IDF Child Sponsorship Program in Fiji. Her experience and dedication will be missed. However, she has arranged for Dr. Rigamoto Taito to take over the care of the children with diabetes in Lautoka and other parts of Western Fiji. Dr. Taito will coordinate with paediatricians in Suva and Lautoka who care for the children there.
May 2002
Fiji does not yet have any formally trained paediatric diabetes educators. Mrs Angela Middlehurst, an experienced paediatric diabetes educator at Diabetes Australia-NSW, visited Fiji in November 2001. Angela spent two weeks in the country, visiting the three main hospitals - Lautoka and Suva on the main island of Viti Levu, and also Labasa on the island of Vanua Levu. Between them, these hospitals cared for all the children with diabetes in the country. Angela participated in workshops attended by trained nurses and dietitians, and personally met many of the children and their families being supported by the program.
October 2001
Dr. Shabnam Prakash in Lautoka is very effectively coordinating the program. Children are being assisted with glucometers and strips, needles and syringes, and travelling expenses when necessary to ensure that they can attend hospital reviews. A workshop, funded by the Ministry of Health, was held in Suva to introduce the program to the eastern side of the main island. There is now a regular clinic for diabetes patients in Lautoka.
April 2001
We have just commenced assisting Fiji. Parent education manuals have been sent, and expert clinical advice provided. Dr. Shabnam Prakash, paediatrician at Lautoka Base Hospital, is organising a meeting with the paediatricians from each area of the country to inform them of the program and determine the best use of funds.