The Australian Government, through the Fiji Health Sector Support Program, will today hand over foot care equipment and consumables worth $130,000 to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services as part of its on‑going commitment to combat diabetes‑related foot complications in Fiji.
The Fiji Health Sector Support Program says Fiji has extremely high rates of diabetes‑related foot complications, including ulceration and sepsis, with 1,241 amputations recorded in 2013 to 2014.
In an effort to improve the condition of diabetic clients’ feet and prevent complications, the Health Ministry in partnership with the Health Sector Support Program, launched the Assessment, prevention and management of foot complications training program for public health nurses.
From February 2015 to May 2016, a total of 377 nurses have been trained.
Along with the training materials, educational materials were also developed for diabetic clients to inform them on how to care for their feet at home.
Australian High Commissioner, Margaret Twomey will hand over the equipment this afternoon.
