Seven out of ten people with diabetes fall within the working-age demographic.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services says with this in mind, health facilities across Fiji marked World Diabetes Day through community-based awareness programmes, with Wainibokasi Hospital hosting theirs last week and the National Diabetes Centre holding an open day yesterday to engage and educate patients.
They say diabetes is not just a health issue; it is an increasingly prevalent challenge in today’s workplaces.
They add that many individuals with diabetes face not only physical health complications but also mental health issues and discrimination, often stemming from a lack of understanding about their condition among colleagues and employers.
The Ministry says their focus is on the critical need to enhance support for individuals living with diabetes in their workplaces.
They add that the need for workplaces to cultivate an inclusive environment where employees with diabetes can thrive has never been more pressing.
