Emma Lewis, June Osborne, Sarah Osborne, and Dr. Patricia Wu arriving at LAX with 8 suitcases of donated medications (totaling over 200 lbs) preparing for their 2 week rotation in Fiji.

Emma Lewis, June Osborne, Sarah Osborne, and Dr. Patricia Wu arriving at LAX with 8 suitcases of donated medications (totaling over 200 lbs) preparing for their 2 week rotation in Fiji.

LOMALOMA, FIJI — With its white sandy beaches, palm trees, and tropical climate, Fiji is a picture perfect destination that conjures dreams of relaxing vacations for many. Beyond these beautiful images however, lies a nation in distress facing a growing health crisis.

The 322 islands that make up Fiji expand across 7,054 square miles in the southwest Pacific Ocean. The Fijian people celebrate a rich culture full of traditions, but over the last few generations they have begun to see a dramatic change in their health, and not for the better. After more than 100 years of colonial influences and their integration into the global economy, Fijians have experienced a shift away from their traditional diets and a decrease in physical activity. The effects of these changes are only now truly coming to light, and with them, a medical crisis is emerging.

The portion of the Fijian population suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCD) is growing at an alarming rate. This form of disease is the number one cause of death and disability in the world. Diabetes, a type of NCD, is becoming increasingly prevalent in the Pacific Island Region. In fact, the prevalence of this disease in areas such as Fiji is ranked among the highest in the world. (WHO, 2010)

Dr. Ilikini Natini, a local Fijian doctor, meeting with patients on the island of Lomaloma.

Dr. Ilikini Natini, a local Fijian doctor, meeting with patients on the island of Lomaloma.

Diabetes, as you have most likely heard, is becoming a growing issue for many nations worldwide. The addition of processed sugars in our food, increased consumption, and decreased physical activity have all resulted in diabetes becoming a concern for a growing portion of the US population as well. While most of the world faces this similar medical trend, Fiji’s health care system, or lack there of, makes it very unlikely that they will be able to overcome this on their own.

So what is diabetes?

Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, is condition that causes an individual’s system to have difficulty processing sugar. In our bodies, the pancreas, liver, and fat cells make up the three major components involved in breaking down and absorbing sugar. Most scientists believe diabetes to be caused by two biological failures. The first occurs when our pancreas loses the ability to produce the hormone insulin. This hormone, in a healthy individual, is released into the blood stream when sugar levels spike and trigger the body’s cells to take up the sugar for processing and storage. The second biological failure which contributs to diabetes is the liver and fat cells’ inability to respond adequately to the insulin. When either of these failures occurs, the result is a potentially dangerous blood sugar level that cannot be properly regulated.

Today, there is no cure for diabetes. The treatment for an individual with this disease is intensive and requires regular maintenance. The patient must keep up with a drug curriculum to regulate their blood sugar levels, as well as maintain a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. If this disease goes untreated, there can be a number of complications. These include fatigue, increased thirst and urination, vomiting, lowered immune system, and tissue death (usually in the feet).

Left to right: Dr. Patricia Wu, Dr. Louis Aprile, June Osborne, Emily Poiser, Stephanie Hackett, Emma Lewis, Sarah Osborne, Dr. Ilikini Natini, and a nurse. Sea Mercy volunteers being greeted in the doctors home before setting up their first clinic on Lomaloma.

Left to right: Dr. Patricia Wu, Dr. Louis Aprile, June Osborne, Emily Poiser, Stephanie Hackett, Emma Lewis, Sarah Osborne, Dr. Ilikini Natini, and (A local nurse is in the middle). Sea Mercy volunteers being greeted in the doctors home before setting up their first clinic on Lomaloma.

Because of the intensive treatment regime and the high prevalence rate, the Fijian people are struggling to get access to proper treatment. The sheer number of people with this disease results in tremendous pressure being placed on Fiji’s healthcare system. Because of this, the nation is experiencing constant depletion of their drug stocks and limited access to wound dressing.

Treatment, however, is not the only issue they are encountering. Limitations on funds and access to modern technology make diagnosis of this condition difficult. Three out of every four Fijians suffering from diabetes go undiagnosed. When this happens, the disease goes untreated until it is too late.

Many people in Fiji live on the poorer end of the economic spectrum. This fact, when paired with undiagnosed diabetes, ends up creating a self-feeding downward spiral. Because people living in poverty have a higher risk of unhygienic living conditions, this exposes their symptoms to environmental factors that can dramatically worsen their state. Factors such as walking barefoot, rodent bites, and foot injuries can cause infections to develop in the already prone tissue of the affected individuals feet. When untreated, the resulting tissue death in these extremities can lead to amputation. These amputations are typically associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates that feed back into worsening the patient’s financial situation and medical condition.

Sea Mercy team meets with local health care workers once the NCD (Non-Communicable Diseases) awareness months ended.

Sea Mercy team meets with local health care workers once the NCD (Non-Communicable Diseases) awareness months ended.

In addition to a lack of healthcare funding, Fiji has a dwindling number of healthcare providers to address this growing medical crisis.  In Fiji, there are only 0.4 practicing physicians to every 1000 people.  In fact, Fiji has one of the lowest ratio of doctors per capita in the world according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

In situations like these, when things look bleak, one non-profit working to turn the tide on diabetes is called “Sea Mercy.”  Sea Mercy is a new up-and-coming healthcare charity that has developed a fleet of ships and volunteers to help the people of Fiji in their battle against diabetes.

Richard Hackett, the president and founder of Sea Mercy, first became fascinated with the southwest Pacific when, at the age of 14, he first read Treasure Island. With the a love for exploring these islands spurred by this novel and his later found love for sailing, he and his wife made a point of making it to the picturesque islands of Fiji for a vacation. “When you are enjoying the moment, snorkeling, and enjoying the sunset, you sometimes can’t help but realize the help people need,” he said while reminiscing. This was a thought he kept with him and in 2000 he began to search for a way to help the Fijian people.

Fijian children in the village of Kanacea gather around to get donated toothbrushes and learn how to clean their teeth.

Fijian children in the village of Kanacea gather around to get donated toothbrushes and learn how to clean their teeth.

Researching into the difficulties the people of Fiji were facing, he continued his search for the best way to aid these people. In the beginning, spreading his cause by only word of mouth to his friends and family, his ideas were slow to gain momentum.

While Rich was researching and collaborating with friends and supporters, back in Fiji, political changes were being made. In 2010, Dr Abdul Wahid Khan was appointed the new president. As a general practitioner with a select interest in the study of diabetes, he realized the importance of their healthcare system, and just how much it was lacking. The government had tried for years to set up a better infrastructure in the islands but the financial burden was too great. In an effort to help this situation, the new president put new regulations into effect that would allow help to come from outside organizations.

In 2012, Rich said he realized there was never going to be the perfect financial moment that they had been waiting for, and decided to set his dream in motion. With a newly laid political path in Fiji, Sea Mercy was born.

What they thought would take 3-5 years took 6 months. In 2013 the program was officially started. With only one vessel, they did a first run. As with most first tries at something new, they found mistakes were made.  However, they learned from these mistakes and soon had a second vessel join them to help their support their efforts.

Fijian children in the village of Kanacea gather around to get donated toothbrushes and learn how to clean their teeth.

Fijian children in the village of Kanacea gather around to get donated toothbrushes and learn how to clean their teeth.

By 2014, a part of their program was going to be disaster relief. Tropical Cyclone Ian, the strongest storm ever recorded in that country, had just struck Tonga. It caused significant damage to people’s homes and agriculture, and hundreds were evacuated and relocated to emergency shelters. Sea Mercy sent their two ships in to help and had one of their first successful runs. Later that year they added Fiji to their network of healthcare hubs, and then Vanuatu.

Despite the need of the people and new political assistance, everything did not always go smoothly. Rich recalled a time it took nearly 3 weeks to get the paperwork to send over food and medications. “Somebody always wants to make money on the deal,” he said.

In addition to bringing over basic supplies, food, and medications, Sea Mercy also focuses on finding trained medical professionals to volunteer their time to help the Fijian. The doctors help train the medical staff living at each location to use more reliable modern techniques for diagnosing and treating diabetes as well as other diseases. A key part of medical care is having an informed population. Both doctors and patients need to be informed about the condition in order to get progressive, consistent results.

One step missing in a basic care can make all the difference to a patient. For example, at one of the locations, a dentist who volunteered his time to help provide dental care, found a situation that accentuated this idea. When he arrived at the island, most of the children and adults had nice white smiles. Their teeth appeared to be well taken care of until he took a closer look. When he finally got a chance to examine them, he found that nearly all of their teeth had begun to rot. Everyone in the village knew that it was important to clean their teeth and did so, but no one knew they had to brush the back side of them as well. Because of this one missing step, their teeth, while they looked clean and healthy when they smiled, were all in fact rotting away from neglect as food and plaque was left to remain behind them.

List of remote villages visited by Sea Mercy. (Around 5 villages are visited each rotation)

List of remote villages visited by Sea Mercy. (Around 5 villages are visited each rotation)

With diabetes, the patients had to understand that just taking the medications was not enough to control the disease. They had to be taught about proper nutrition and muscle building exercises to keep them in better shape.

Dr. Patricia Wu, the head of the Department of Endocrinology at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego, California, is a specialist in Endocrine Diabetes/Metabolism, is one of the doctors heading to Fiji this summer to assist in the work of Sea Mercy. Dr. Wu spends her time in research, teaching, and directing the diabetes care program at Kaiser. She discussed with me the importance of collaboration when treating diabetes patients.

As the director of the diabetes care program, she has to help coordinate between primary care physicians, health educators, and nutrition departments. The expansive scope of treatment for diabetes patients makes it essential that different healthcare professionals work together in order to attain optimal results. In addition to this coordination, she also works with the directors of hospitals. In the US, one-third of patients in the hospital have diabetes. Because of the extra accommodations sometimes needed for people with this condition, it is becoming increasingly important that hospitals be properly equipped to care for these people.

Being very knowledgeable about the disease, she discussed with me the true importance of going to Fiji to properly understand why it is they are facing this issue on such a large scale.

Dr. Wu performing a foot exam, testing for symptoms of advancing diabetes.

Dr. Wu performing a foot exam, testing for symptoms of advancing diabetes.

A major issue she pointed out was the sugars added to our processed food and sweetened drinks. Combined with a lack of education about proper exercise, these two factors are fueling the fire of a disease running rampant in our society. In Fiji this is especially an issue as traditional high-starch diets are being abandoned in favor of cheap, processed foods withlong shelf lives, imported white rice, and noodles. With advertisements and tourism supporting unhealthy living revolving around flashy, tasty drinks and cheap, easy food, Fiji is headed down a path leading away from cultural tradition and direct toward serious health problems.

With this, she also emphasized the necessity of a proper infrastructure for the healthcare system. “If you can’t even offer vaccinations … you can’t begin to deal with conditions like diabetes. Diabetes is not immediate,” she said.

This infrastructure is what Sea Mercy is trying to supplement. On their own, this struggle in Fiji was an unsolvable problem for the government. With the developing inter-island system of Sea Mercy’s floating health clinics, however, they hopefully will clear a path to the creation of a more permanent and reliable structure. With money and volunteers going towards expanding this network and bringing people help and supplies, they are well on their way to making a positive lasting impact on the area.

When volunteers travel to Fiji with a mission of helping make a difference for these people, they not only contribute to this great cause, but also learn from the people and experiences along the way. Rich spoke about this, saying, “You walk away going, ‘that was worth it’. You can’t really put a price on [the experience]. You measure it by the lives changed and what you walk away with.”

The future for Fiji is beginning to look brighter. A disease that once had a firm grip on the population now has a potential opponent. Hopefully, with new legislation to promote healthier living, and non-profit organizations like Sea Mercy working to bring in the additional medical care the people need, we can finally hope to turn the tide in Fiji’s fight against diabetes.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

About The Author

Sarah Osborne is a Blast Magazine correspondent and Northeastern University biology student.

44 Responses

  1. lisa

    DIABETES disease is rapidly increased day by day and spreading the whole world. Overall thanks for the diabetes Enterprise Article.

    Reply
  2. Lisa

    All over the world the cases of diabetes increase day by day. We should take such diet which contain all the vitamins that require our body. I want to thanks for the diabetes enterprise article. Neogen

    Reply
  3. joon

    This high intensity workout takes you through 12 exercises (jumping jacks, abdominal crunches, press ups, plank, squats, lunges etc). Training at high intensity with very little rest in between each exercise (apparently!) makes this workout the equivalent of a 30+-minute traditional resistance-training session.Health tips

    Reply
  4. bestjoeriggs

    Doctor’s appointments can be frustrating with long waits but I know a better place in the USA. Last month when I was in Miami I went there and they were very professional Fed Help Medical.cbd extract

    Reply
  5. carry

    Hey, very nice article. I came across this on Google, and I am stoked that I did. I will definitely be coming back here more often. Wish I could add to the conversation and bring a bit more to the table, but am just taking in as much info as I can at the moment. Thanks for sharing.CBD oil Kona

    Reply
  6. lisa

    Hi, When our company first offered EAP, I said, “Great!” My coworkers said “Whyever? No one here has an alcohol problem!” and then gave me the stink eye. But we had people struggling with office stress, chronic illness, aging parents, new baby issues, parenting problems, marital strife…lots of reasons to put EAP to good use. In addition to offering services for mental health, HR needs to make it clear that normal people use those services for all sorts of really good reasons and shouldn’t feel ashamed to reach out. For a business, mental health care can mean having effective workers rather people who are doing just enough to get by as they struggle with issues with which they could be helped.hasta yataklar?

    Reply
  7. jack

    Hey, very nice article. I came across this on Google, and I am stoked that I did. I will definitely be coming back here more often. Wish I could add to the conversation and bring a bit more to the table, but am just taking in as much info as I can at the moment. Thanks for sharing.infrared sauna in arizona

    Reply
  8. jack

    I hope to God Charlie is rehired and goes back to work so the News and Media will focus on real things Americans need to know that are going on.Cryo Slimming

    Reply
  9. jack

    I just wanted to Thank YOU for these interesting informative articles. I like to think I’m a progressive issues-alert gran’mom but I’ve actually picked up a number of information from you that are extremely helpful. Today’s info on your ND shakes is interesting and may be coming to usage in the short future when my son’s family joins our household (building a whole separate but adjoined house to ours). Am already getting ideas ready to keep the grandkids healthy and happy. Thanks again.best fitness trackers

    Reply
  10. lisa

    Hi,
    Doctor’s appointments can be frustrating with long waits but I know a better place in the USA. Last month when I was in Miami I went there and they were very professional.nursing school paper

    Reply
  11. lisa

    This Keto 5 Natural Thermogenic Fat Burner was created using cutting edge weight loss ingredients to help the body utilize fat as it’s the primary source of fuel, a physical process known as ketosis. For maximum fat burning efficacy, it is important to stay on a low carb diet such as the popular keto diet. You have nothing to worry about; this Keto 5 Thermogenic Fat Burner is made in accordance with international and GMP standards to ensure products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards.
    Nursing Assignments

    Reply
  12. lisa

    Thank you very much for sharing such good info about health. Can you suggest me which multi vitamins to take at the moment? That would include Vitamin D as you say, but that are also Vegan? If you have any idea please suggest me.LISA

    Reply
  13. physicians

    Diabetes is not the problem of a country, the problem of the whole world. Every third in the world suffering in Diabetes.We should take such diet which contain all the vitamins that require our body

    Reply
  14. lisa

    Hello, With the best driving school rijschool Rotterdamrijschool Rotterdam in the Netherlands, you can get your driver’s license in a short time.LISA

    Reply
  15. Nutrition

    it gives you a chance to fuck up but jump right back on that horse again. That is often a problem with keeping a routine, people thinking that if they screw up once the routine is ruined and they might as well binge on a liter of icecream after the burger and pizza. But that’s not the case. Just keep at it!

    Reply
  16. lisa

    A person who is a sick checkup is very important for their health because through this the patient knows the present stage of the disease and doctor also change the medicines in the next checkup in order present stage of the disease. So I think the next checkup is very important for health.diabetes hospital in Chennai

    Reply
  17. lisa

    According to my information, Broccoli helps in controlling diabetes. I have been eating Broccoli and Spinach and yeah they are helpful in controlling the sugar level.tea tree oil

    Reply
  18. lisa

    This one came right after I ate a lime and some salad! I do not understand all the myths around limes. Speaking for myself, I have always benefited from lime. I even eat those raw!skin tightening machines

    Reply
  19. lisa

    Can you suggest to me which multivitamins to take at the moment? That would include Vitamin D as you say, but are you also Vegan? If you have any idea please suggest me. I shall be very thankful to you.lumibett

    Reply
  20. lisa

    A healthy body has a healthy mind and we cannot work properly If our mind cannot work properly. We should take less stress about the worries of life. Your blog provides informative information about mental health. This is the best way to create awareness about mental health.advance us com

    Reply
  21. lisa

    Hi, Improve your mental health is not an easy task. Our mental health requires you to prioritize your self-care. This can include a wide variety of different habits. Spend your time with your loved one, use fresh fruits, increase the use of water and sleep a full night then our mental health remains healthy.Managing Chronic Pain in Athens

    Reply
  22. lisa

    Our mental health requires you to prioritize your self-care. This can include a wide variety of different habits. Spend your time with your loved one, use fresh fruits, increase the use of water and sleep a full night then our mental health remains healthy.
    drugs

    Reply
  23. lisa

    Hi,
    This post about running in cold weather tips. I have been running for years and have yet to brave the cold weather when I can just go to the gym, but I enjoy running outside so much more and crave spring running weather every year.detox

    Reply
  24. lisa

    To me healthy eating is *healthful* eating, which means homemade, from local, happy places. Lots of veggies, lots of fruits, but it’s also okay to eat butter, sugar, and carbs. Wholesome. Hearty. Delicious. Made with love. Like a grandmother would feed you. (Or at least how *my* grandmother would feed you.)Physical Signs of Addiction

    Reply
  25. lisa

    The brain is the most important of the body and collect all data of the body and forced to act on it. According to scientific research, 70 to 80% of our brain is made of water. If he does not do proper work then any human totally disabled. Now i am starting to read your posts.Doctors Clinic Near Me

    Reply
  26. lisa

    Improvement in mental health services is poor in many low and medium-income nations. Major barriers include existing social, economic and governmental priorities.rt leg pain icd 10

    Reply
  27. lisa

    Hi, I know most people don’t like to hear it, but a diet that consists of a large amount of fresh vegetables and fruits, healthy fats and minimally processed foods can do wonders for a person’s health.turkey teeth implants cost

    Reply
  28. lisa

    Great tips! We also rely on each other to keep our health in check. Having a buddy really helps us say no to unhealthy cravings most of the time.read more here

    Reply
  29. lisa

    it is very well written article, thank you for the valuable and useful information you provide in this post. Keep up the good work! FYI, shih tzu hair products , slice credit card review.surgical tech certifying exam

    Reply
  30. Anna

    A healthy diet refers to a balanced and nutritious eating plan that provides your body with essential nutrients while supporting overall well-being. It typically includes a variety of whole foods from different food groups, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats and liquid hemp oil, often referred to as hemp seed oil or hemp oil, is derived from the seeds of the hemp plant. It should not be confused with CBD oil, which is extracted from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant. Hemp oil has gained popularity due to its potential health benefits and nutritional value. It contains a good balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for optimal health. It is also a good source of vitamin E and other minerals.

    Reply
  31. Zampa

    She is responsible for coordinating care between a variety of healthcare professionals, including primary care physicians, health educators, and nutrition departments. This is essential because diabetes is a complex disease that requires a team approach to treatment. The director also works with hospital directors to ensure that hospitals are properly equipped to care for patients with diabetes. This is important because one-third of patients in the hospital in the US have diabetes. By coordinating care and ensuring that hospitals are properly equipped, the director of the diabetes care program can help improve the quality of care for patients with diabetes and reduce the risk of complications. canadianinsulin.com

    Reply
  32. lisa

    Environmental factors, including air and water quality, play a significant role in health outcomes. Pollution and exposure to harmful chemicals can have adverse effects on respiratory health and contribute to the development of chronic diseases. Advocating for cleaner environments and responsible resource management is essential for protecting public health.wholesale medical supplies

    Reply
  33. lisa

    It sounds like you’re taking a proactive approach to managing your condition, which is great. I’ve heard that probiotics can be helpful for IBS, so it’s good that you’re incorporating one into your morning routine. ???????????????

    Reply
  34. lisa

    Body fat analyzers are not only valuable for individuals looking to manage their weight and overall health but also for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. These devices help monitor changes in body composition over time, allowing users to adjust their diet and exercise routines accordingly. Fitness professionals often use body fat analyzers to tailor workout and nutrition plans for their clients, helping them achieve their fitness goals more effectively.body fat analyzer

    Reply
  35. lisa

    Thank you for bringing this informative website to my attention. I’m particularly interested in finding more resources that are written in a clear and engaging style, as I believe this approach enhances the learning process. I’m currently working on a project and would love to explore additional resources from experts in this field.To Know about us click here.

    Reply
  36. Canta Esthetic

    ABOUT CANTA ESTHETIC
    Canta Esthetic is a professional developer and distributor of beauty equipments and solutions. We have a complete service from R&D, production, sales and after-sales. Our mission is to provide you with the professional high-quality beauty machines for personal care clinics, spas, and salons.

    https://cantaesthetic.com

    Reply
  37. lisa

    Dental care is an integral aspect of overall health and well-being, encompassing a broad range of practices and procedures aimed at maintaining the health of teeth and gums. The field of dentistry has evolved significantly over the years, from ancient practices like using chew sticks to modern-day technologies such as digital imaging and laser dentistry. Dentists play a crucial role in preventive care, diagnosing and treating various oral health issues, and educating patients about proper oral hygiene practices.heqje ekspulsi

    Reply
  38. usman

    Oral surgery encompasses a diverse range of procedures, from tooth extractions to jaw realignment surgeries. Wisdom teeth extraction is a prevalent oral surgery, addressing the potential complications associated with the emergence of these molars. Oral surgeons also play a pivotal role in treating facial trauma, jaw disorders, and oral cancers, showcasing the breadth of their expertise.turismo dentale

    Reply

Leave a Reply