Fiji – Diabetes and Nutrition Program – Abbie Hughes

I have been offered a 2 week volunteer placement to work in a Diabetes and Nutrition program in Fiji.  One in three Fijians are diabetic, and obesity and nutrition are a serious issue for island communities due to a lack of public health education. There is also an increasing rate of lifestyle related, non-communicable diseases resulting from a poor diet (in particular, diabetes and heart disease). 

I will be based in a rural community in Fiji where the locals do not have easy access to healthcare facilities. While volunteering, I will be working alongside a variety of other health practitioners and involved in nutrition consultations, diabetes and health screening, children's health and education and helping to build nutrition and diabetes awareness campaigns. 

While in Fiji I will be staying with a local family who will and provide me with meals and a bed. The volunteer organisation has suggested that I try and raise the money for my home stay placement and travel costs. 

I am so excited to participate in this and gain some valuable experience!

Any donation would help out heaps and would be much appreciated. Thank you!