Diabetes Fiji

Project Status: in development; seeking funding.

We envision this project as a test case for a Pacific-wide media campaign.

Forty nine percent of Fiji's population suffer from diabetes. It’s a problem so systemic that people with diabetes-related ulcers avoid seeing the doctor, believing it’s inevitable that they, like so many others, will be sent to hospital to lose a limb. Diabetes Fiji is an educational campaign using the voices and the languages of the people to promote prevention to the people.

A collaboration lead by Major Arc trustees Lala Rolls and Tina McNicholas, with Island Productions Aotearoa and Diabetes Fiji. The concept has been pitched at the 2016 Tahitian International Film Festival (FIFO) to broadcasters across the Pacific who were all overwhelmingly enthusiastic. We are currently in discussions with health professionals in New Zealand and Australia and we invite any person or organization who feel they can contribute to this project to make contact with us.

We are looking at a two tiered approach:

1) PREVENTATIVE CARE: The Bubu - Naani Series

A concept from Dr Wahid Khan of Diabetes Fiji in which we use our understanding of the Pacific extended family structure to create a series of 60sec edutainment clips.  A series of short, engaging episodes featuring an Indian and a Fijian grandparent, both of whom have diabetes and care for their grandchild whilst the child's parents are at work. The clips could be played on television like ads between shows and will be downloadable on cell phones and the internet. The unfolding of the episodes play like a mini-soap opera following the relationship between grandparent and grand child, with the self-care messages embedded. If we make these stories the way we intend, they will become part of popular culture and people will look forward to each installment and seek each new episode out.

2) PREVENTION AND HEALTHY LIFE CHOICES: Cooking Across the Pacific

A hilarious, half hour, weekly cooking show that delivers easy, fast and simple recipes. A show that carries messages about food and health choices without being preachy. Whilst tackling the prevention of diabetes it inadvertently tackles other health problems at the same time. A series that celebrates food and cultures across the Pacific with a nod towards the wisdom and the health of our ancestors.

Hosted by one of our genius Pacific comic talents who will travel to local houses to cook a meal and talanoa (share conversation).