2020 Walkathon Round Vanua Levu (473km)

Theme: Walk Against NCDs
Date: 17–29 August 2020
Venue: Vanua Levu Island, Fiji

The “2020 Walkathon Round Vanua Levu (473km)” was organized by Sport Climbing Fiji from 17-29 August 2020 to raise awareness on the rising crisis of non-communicable diseases in Fiji.

The theme for this Walkathon was “Walk Against NCDs”.

Sport Climbing Fiji, established in February 2018, is the National Federation for mountaineering and sport climbing in Fiji. It represents Fiji in the International Federation of Sport Climbing – the International Federation representing sport climbing in the International Olympic Committee and at other international organizations. Sport Climbing Fiji is also a member of the Oceania Council for Sport Climbing.

Non-communicable diseases – obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer – are a major social and economic development challenge for Fiji. These diseases, which are highly prevalent in the nation, drain government resources and have a negative impact on quality of life. The four main risk factors are poor diet, insufficient physical activity, and tobacco and alcohol abuse.

Young people have a key role to play in building strong populations. By teaching and engaging youths to adopt healthy behaviors, we can reduce the early onset of non-communicable diseases.

Events and Engagements

Free Cancer and NCD Screening

Cost factors often held back Fijians living in Vanua Levu to get screened for cancer and NCDs. This leads to severe complications and in certain cases, immature death. Children and the senior citizens are the most vulnerable in health sector.

During the Walkathon, Fiji Cancer Society provided cervical screening – VIA, breast screening and other NCD services at designated venues around Vanua Levu.

Community Health Awareness

Talanoa sessions were organised by Fiji Cancer Society at designated villages around Vanua Levu.

The talanoa session created aware among Fijians about the rising crisis of non-communicable diseases in Fiji and how they can maintain a healthy lifestyle. Apart from that, health support services provided by Fiji Cancer Society, Fijian Government, and other governmental and non-governmental organizations in Fiji.

Walk-A-Mile Challenge

The Walk-A-Mile Challenge motivated community leaders and community-based organizations to participate in the Walkathon on a daily basis.

Walkathon Route

Date	Start Point	End Point	Distance	Walk Hrs.	Campaign Venue
16/08	Arrive at Savusavu
17/08	Savusavu	Koronatoga	44.1km	9.0hrs	Savusavu
18/08	Koronatoga	Saqani	32.5km	7.0hrs	Koronatoga
19/08	Saqani	Wainigadru	25.4km	5.0hrs	Saqani
20/08	Wainigadru	Lagalaga	35.5km	7.0hrs	Wainigadru
21/08	Lagalaga	Labasa	51.4km	10.0hrs	Lagalaga
22/08	Rest Day		0.0km	0.00hrs	Labasa
23/08	Labasa	Batiri	47.9km	10.0hrs	Rest Day
24/08	Batiri	Lekutu	44.5km	9.0hrs	Batiri
25/08	Lekutu	Nabouwalu	43.2km	9.0hrs	Lekutu
26/08	Nabouwalu	Sawani	26.8km	5.0hrs	Nabouwalu
27/08	Sawani	Namalata	41.5km	8.0hrs	Sawani
28/08	Namalata	Laucala-Cakaudrove	33.5km	7.0hrs	Namalata
29/08	Laucala-Cakaudrove	Savusavu	47.7km	10.0hrs	Laucala-Cakaudrove
30/08	Depart from Savusavu