Not only was it a reality check but also amazingly educational

Thank you for the amazing opportunity to volunteer in Fiji. Having met our amazing host family Masi and Mere but also their house mum Lesi. Going to the farm and truly experiencing the farm life and visiting the villages connecting with the people was the highlight of my trip.

One opportunity I had was unfortunately taking a lady to the clinic in Suva with dangerously high Blood Pressure and known hypertension. I know Jules would have records of what village and where. I am terrible with names but lol I could take you there in a heartbeat lol. It was an amazing opportunity to connect with a local clinic and Doctor, once I gained the trust he was happy to share some very valuable information about the health system and it's guidelines. He pointed me to the national guidelines of Fiji and he unfortunately seemed frustrated with the current situation from both the government and being to follow up with villages.

However, since being back I have been looking for and at the Fiji Guideline documents that supported the doctors information I have included the PDF of the guidelines. At the first stage of T2DM and hypertension is the non-pharmacy otherwise known as (SNAP) Smoking, Nutrition, Alcohol and Physical activity which is outlined in their documentation. And understanding that your program is supporting and promoting the Nutrition aspect of SNAP.

When sitting on the floor talking with the woman after health checks in the villages, they were asking a lot of additional questions about nutrition because I felt they were less inhibited. The health nurses in nearly all the villages were keen to learn more and would benefit from additional information that is in line with their guidelines SNAP. Providing support for them to promote and educate their families in the village.

Thanks again for the amazing experience.