Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho has called on families, schools and towns to stand together and fight against diabetes.
She said these sections of the community must unite so that they could attract the support of the public to help those who suffered from diabetes.
Queen Nanasipau’u was speaking during a symposium at the Kalofiama ‘O Epworth hall in Kolofo’ou on Wednesday to commemorate the World Diabetes Day.
There are an estimated 18,000 people living with diabetes in Tonga.
Every year on November 14 the world marked the World Diabetes Day and this year the theme was “The Family and Diabetes.”
The Minister of Health Dr Saia Piukala said this was the day during the years the world has dedicated to making sure families and patients knew the signs, symptoms and risk factors of this rapidly growing epidemic.
He said it was important that families and patients knew about the link between diabetes and a healthier lifestyle.
The symposium was also attended by Princess ‘Ofeina ‘E he Langi Fakafanua, Dr ‘Ahio the President of the Free Wesleyan Church and about 200 guests.
