For too many Pacific Islanders, access to and quality of health care falls far below national standards. The multiple barriers are well documented. They include: tiny isolated land masses in a huge geographic area; disparate isolated populations with multiple languages and different cultures; a dearth of health care and public health professionals; and a prioritization of health care responses to communicable diseases. Far too often, however, public health officials focus on the barriers and lack of infrastructure so prevalent in the region. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Diabetes Division has recognized this as well, but has employed an approach that also supports the public health assets, rather than the overwhelming needs for each of the jurisdictions. A review of these public health initiatives, using standard public health strategies, but incorporating the unique needs and culture of Guam and Palau will be reported. Our strategy is to support and encourage these positive approaches as one of a number of strategies in reducing the health disparities in the region and specific to Guam and Palau.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session the participants will be able to: 1. Identify standard public health strategies that are being implemented by diabetes control programs in Palau and Guam. 2. Recognize the unique applications of these strategies to meet their special needs and culture. 3. Apply these skills to other locations and to other chronic disease control programs.
Keywords: Diabetes, Public Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.