The Program Manager for Diabetes Fiji, Kini Marawa, is urging the government to re-direct the funds collected from the taxing of sugar, sweetened beverages, alcohol and tobacco to dedicated organisations such as them or other NGOs and Civil Society Organisations to support Ministry of Health initiatives in combating non-communicable diseases.
While speaking at the 2025-2026 National Budget consultation at the Rishikul Sanatan College Hall, Marawa says they do understand that most of the vulnerable communities are having financial issues in buying glucometers or consumables.
He says consumables should be made accessible to the vulnerable communities.
Marawa also highlighted the challenges faced by many graduates who still cannot find employment nowadays.
He says many of these graduates are joining the NEC program because there are no employment opportunities after graduation.
He also called on the government to re-look at their priorities because they have seen the three academic institutions in the country are competing on different programs they offer but the challenge of job opportunities remains.
Marawa also urged the government to invest in health research programs.
While, responding to Marawa’s concern, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad says the NCD crisis in the country is high and they provide funding to a lot of NGOs because they feel that NGOs and CSOs can do a better job in terms of advocacy and education.
He acknowledged the work conducted by Marawa’s organisation in creating awareness on the issue of diabetes.
