Tackling Diabetes in a Whole of Society Approach: Challenges, progress, and opportunities in the Pacific Island countries.

Abstract

Diabetes is an indiscriminate killer and disproportionately affects the world’s most vulnerable populations in the Pacific region. There have been several declarations aimed at tackling diabetes through engaging civil societies given that they are more influential in shaping the lives of people in the communities. Despite civil societies are gaining attention as important stakeholders in tackling diabetes and involving in health promotion initiatives in some Pacific Island countries, they are still largely absent from the decision-making process and coordination roles. Ensuring a collaborative approach that involves civil societies and engages them through truly inclusive processes in planning, implementation, and policymaking to prevent and control diabetes at the national level remains challenging. The Pacific region should take its unique opportunities such as the existing strong networks of civil societies, churches, women, and youth, and empower them to be at the centre of national efforts in fighting against the interconnected health, social and environmental determinants of diabetes. This article highlights to invest additional resources in engaging and mobilising civil society organizations which will meaningfully contribute to creating healthier environments to become healthier communities and enhance diabetes prevention and management efforts across the Pacific.