Diabetes accounts for 70 percent of all deaths each year, and a significant portion of our population has diabetes and hypertension before developing complications from both conditions.
While opening the 2024 National Surgical Conference, Acting Minister for Health Filimoni Vosarogo says diabetes remains one of the three leading causes of mortality in the country, alongside cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
He highlighted that complications from diabetes can lead to issues with eyesight, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels.
Vosarogo says based on observations from the National Diabetic Conference in 2012, the surgical department amputates one limb every 12-hours.
The Acting Health Minister emphasized the need to strengthen health systems, particularly by enhancing primary healthcare to complement tertiary services.
He says while the statistics can be discouraging, they should serve as a rallying call.
He also says as individuals and as a nation, we have the power to change the trajectory of diabetes through lifestyle modifications, increased awareness, and collective action and each of us has a role to play in reducing the burden of diabetes.
Vosarogo adds that it is important for those diagnosed with diabetes to remember that living with the condition does not mean their life is limited.
He says with proper care including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and consistent check-ups, they can manage diabetes and lead a full, active, and joyful life.
