Stream 2 Session #16: Culturally Responsive Diabetes Care Across Communities

Tracks
Meeting Room 109 & 110
Thursday, August 20, 2026
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Meeting Room 109 & 110 (Level 1)

Details

This session highlights community‑driven and culturally grounded approaches to improving diabetes care, from policy influence and service redesign to fasting guidance - equipping educators with strategies to support diverse populations across the region.


Speaker

Coralie Cross
York & Northern Local Health Network

Chairperson

Biography

Mrs Achamma Joseph
Senior Dietitian / CDE
Queensland Health

Chairperson

Biography

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Ms Mingxia Zhang
Chairperson of The Diabetes Care Professional Committee / Endocrinology Department Head Nurse
Chinese Nursing Association Peking University People's Hospital

Diabetes education toolbox - Title TBC

4:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Biography

Head Nurse of the Endocrinology Department of Beijing People's Hospital, Chief Nurse Chairperson of the Diabetes Nursing Committee of the Chinese Nursing Association Vice Chairperson of the Endocrinology Professional Committee of Beijing Nursing Society Vice Chairman of the Diabetes Education and Management Branch of the China Health Promotion and Education Association Has been engaged in diabetes education and management for over 20 years. Has completed and co-authored numerous books related to endocrinology and diabetes nursing, and has participated in the compilation of multiple diabetes clinical guidelines.
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Mr Marawa Kini
CEO
Diabetes Fiji Inc

From Communities to Care Systems: Integrating Cultural Wisdom in Diabetes Prevention and Management

4:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Biography

Mr. Marawa Kini is a respected public health leader and community development practitioner with extensive experience in diabetes prevention, management, advocacy, and health systems strengthening in Fiji. As Executive Director of Diabetes Fiji Inc., he has led innovative programs in community screening, foot care, youth empowerment, health promotion, and strategic partnerships with government, development agencies, and international organizations. Mr. Kini is passionate about advancing equitable healthcare access, empowering vulnerable communities, and driving sustainable solutions to address non-communicable diseases. His leadership continues to influence national health policy, community resilience, and improved health outcomes across Fiji.
Agenda Item Image
Ms Elizabeth Lewis-Hills
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Health New Zealand Waikato

Reimagining diabetes and pregnancy service in Maori community

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Biography

Elizabeth (Liz) Lewis-Hills is a Clinical Nurse Specialist at Te Whatu Ora – Waikato Diabetes Service, where she brings both clinical expertise and deep cultural commitment to her mahi (work). Specialising in Diabetes in Pregnancy, Liz is passionate about improving outcomes for wāhine and their whānau, with a particular focus on Māori health equity and culturally responsive care. Liz whakapapa (connects) to Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi, and Thailand, bringing a rich and grounded perspective to her work weaving together clinical knowledge and cultural connection to provide care that is both clinically sound and culturally informed. Her mahi reflects her belief that high-quality, equitable healthcare begins with connection, trust, and meeting people where they are.
Agenda Item Image
Ms Erum Ghafoor
Vice President
International Diabetes Federation

Fasting and Diabetes

5:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Biography

Miss Erum Ghafoor is a globally recognized leader in diabetes care, education, and advocacy. Diagnosed with diabetes at 14, she transformed personal adversity into a lifelong mission of service. She currently serves as Vice President of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) for Healthcare Professionals and President of the National Association of Diabetes Educators of Pakistan, becoming the first Pakistani woman elected IDF Vice President. A Certified Diabetes Educator and public health expert, she has established 27 philanthropy-based Type 1 diabetes clinics across Pakistan, providing free insulin and care to thousands. Her work continues to inspire hope and advance equitable diabetes care worldwide.
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