There is a scarcity of information on how patients in Vanuatu perceive diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, access to services and management, health promotion and intervention services to alleviate the issues.
This study, commissioned by The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ aimed to solve this by exploring the perceptions of patients with diabetes in Vanuatu. The outcomes would then help inform the design of integrated, people-centred health promotion materials and community activities that empower people to self-manage and shape diabetic services.
The conclusion was that Vanuatu needs to expand nationwide health promotion and education programmes on nutrition and exercise. There is also a need for well-trained nursing and medical specialists who can provide early diagnosis and adequate management of diabetes that is more accessible and affordable.
