Help me deliver health checks to remote communities in Fiji

Those closest to me would know it has been a goal of mine to volunteer for such a long time, I am excited to say I am finally doing it! I will be leaving for Fiji in July for 2 weeks to participate in a Public Health and Nutrition Outreach Program!

When we think of Fiji, we think of tropical islands, relaxing resorts and rainforests. Although Fiji is all these things, the real Fiji is still a developing nation. On the mainland, things aren't so tough, but on the remote island communities, they're dealing with no running water, no electricity, and not enough jobs for everyone.

People living in Fiji are eating a diet high in salt, sugar and processed foods and are slowly killing themselves.

While the traditional Fijian diet is abundant in local fruits, vegetables and seafood, unfortunately due to colonial influences and evolving food systems, the Fijian diet consist heavily of processed foods. The Fijian diet lacks nutrition leading to high rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and micronutrient deficiencies. On top of this, malnutrition is common in Fiji, particularly in children under 5 where their growth and development are dramatically impacted.

Some statistics:

• 1 in 3 Fijians are diagnosed with diabetes
• 3 in every 4 people go undiagnosed with diabetes leading to severe health complications such as chronic kidney disease
• 65.6% adults living in Fiji are overweight and 33.4% are obese[1]
• Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Fiji[2].

What will I be doing

Together with a team of nurses, nutritionists and allied health practitioners, we aim to:

• deliver health checks and screenings in villages to people living in community
• educate local communities on nutrition, obesity and diabetes prevention
• provide nutrition education and support to local school children
• deliver physical activity programs.

For a glimpse on the work I will be doing, feel free to watch the video above.

Why I need your help

I would love your help in raising $1,000 to fly to Fiji and be part of an amazing team implementing such an important program to help the people in Fiji live healthier, longer lives. The funds raised will also contribute towards medical supplies and equipment needed to deliver the project to the community.

All and any donations would be greatly appreciated, whether they're big or small - it all totally counts! But if you are unable to spare any money yourself – that is completely understandable - please consider sharing this page with your friends and networks as your contribution.

I look forward to sharing photos with you all when I return!

[1] Boxer B, Trübswasser U, Lesi V, Naika A, Dahal P, Sagan S, Joshi K, Irache A, Singh P, Nand D, Kama A, Deo A, Goudet S. Rapid review of factors influencing dietary behaviors in Fiji. Front Nutr. 2023 Aug 9;10:1164855. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1164855. PMID: 37621737; PMCID: PMC10445140.

[2][2] https://www.who.int/westernpacific/about/how-we-wo...