Biometric training in Niue.
Empowering communities to tackle diabetes crisis
A recent visit by the 10,000 Toes team to Niue has paved the way for a grassroots response to diabetes, with local volunteers trained to conduct health screenings and promote healthier lifestyles across the island.
Niue is one of the world’s smallest independent nations, located in the South Pacific Ocean approximately 2400 kilometres northeast of New Zealand. Although small in population and landmass, Niue faces significant health challenges, particularly in relation to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes.
With a population of approximately 1700–1800 people, recent Niuean government health data released through the 2025 STEPS Survey indicates that around one in every three people is living with diabetes or elevated blood glucose levels.
According to 10,000 Toes Campaign coordinator Pamela Townend, this statistic highlights the urgent need for prevention, early detection and community-based intervention.
During the visit, four evening training sessions were conducted for people interested in becoming Level One 10,000 Toes ambassadors. The sessions equipped participants with an understanding of the diabetes crisis across the Pacific and equipped them to play an active role in addressing the issue within their own communities.
A key component of the training involved hands-on instruction in the use of 10,000 Toes biometric screening kits. Participants learned how to measure key health indicators and conduct community screenings, giving them practical tools to identify individuals at risk and connect them with appropriate support.
An important highlight of the visit was meeting with Niue Health Director Minerva Ikimau.
“The Ministry of Health had recently recognised the significant and growing impact of diabetes across the population and was actively considering how best to respond,” Mrs Townend said. “At this very time, 10,000 Toes arrived with established strategies, training frameworks and screening tools already being implemented successfully across the Pacific.”
Discussions are now underway regarding a memorandum of understanding between the Niuean government and 10,000 Toes, which would formally support the initiative and pave the way for future collaboration.
“The enthusiasm shown by participants throughout the training was deeply encouraging, reflecting a strong desire within Niue to address the growing diabetes challenge,” Mrs Townend said.
“These newly trained ambassadors will now return to their villages, churches and communities to raise awareness, conduct screenings and support healthier lifestyles.”
10,000 Toes is an Adventist Health initiative aimed at addressing diabetes and other non-communicable diseases across the South Pacific through education, screening, lifestyle intervention and community engagement.
