More than 150 ambassadors gathered for the 10,000 Toes Campaign Lifestyle Medicine Summit in Fiji from September 27 to 29.
The three-day summit focused on health, wellness and diabetes prevention, combining physical activities, expert-led training sessions and spiritual reflections to promote holistic wellbeing. The summit also aimed to involve Adventist pastors in their leadership roles as health champions.
Organised by the Trans Pacific Union Mission (TPUM) and the Fiji Mission, the event featured guest speakers, including Dr Eduardo Ramirez, a medical doctor and research scientist from the USA, alongside 10,000 Toes Campaign coordinator Pamela Townend, South Pacific Division health strategy leader Dr Geraldine Pryzbylko and 10,000 Toes regional ambassador for Solomon Islands, Dr Chester Kuma. Regional leaders and representatives of the island nations where the campaign is operating also attended.
Attendees participated in practical workshops on natural treatments, including therapeutic juicing, hydrotherapy, poultices, plant-based cooking and massages, facilitated by Bitu Wellness, Mili Mataika and the Hope Clinic Fiji team. The evening program featured a message from keynote speaker, Ministry of Health Fiji chief medical advisor Dr Luisa Cikamatana. TPUM president Pastor Maveni Kaufononga shared a devotion before presentations on the success of the 10,000 Toes Campaign and the future of health.
Health-focused lectures were facilitated by Dr Ramirez, who discussed the cause of most complications of diabetes, and Dr Kuma, who spoke about brain plasticity. The sessions emphasised the link between spirituality and health. The event also featured an awards and entertainment night, celebrating the efforts of the campaign ambassadors.
The summit concluded with the regular morning beach workout and devotion, followed by presentations on potential health threats, mind-body connections and managing depression in diabetics. An “Ambassadors Voice” session was also held, where attendees were involved in a group discussion on ways to improve the 10,000 Toes Campaign.
Supported by donations, the 10,000 Toes Campaign continues to expand with more than 6000 ambassadors across 13 Pacific island nations.
