A second chance: How a malaria test changed Steve’s life

 

Fifty-one-year-old Steve Tafea believed he was simply seeking treatment for malaria when he walked into Mataniko Area Health Center earlier this year. Instead, a routine visit turned his life around.

"I came because I wasn't feeling well, and they found malaria. I never expected they would also discover that I had diabetes," he recalled.  

The diagnosis came as a shock.

Like many people, Steve had heard about diabetes through awareness campaigns but never 

imagined it could affect him. He considered himself healthy enough and had never felt the need to seek regular medical check-ups.

"When they told me I had diabetes, I was surprised and afraid," he said. "It was my first time hearing that I had a condition like that. At first, I felt shocked, but then I realized it was actually a good thing. If they hadn't checked me, I wouldn't have known."

That early diagnosis may have prevented serious complications. Shortly after beginning treatment, Steve developed a wound on his toe during one of his work trips to the provinces. Because his diabetes had already been identified and managed with medication, the wound healed before it could worsen.


Early detection and regular check-ups are keys to a healthy lifestyle. Photo: WHO/Ruel Serrano

"I travel a lot for work, and I think I was bitten by a rat or mouse while staying in one of the accommodations during a trip," explained Steve, who works at the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening. "The wound healed, and I believe it was because I had already started taking my medication. If I hadn't known about my diabetes, it could have become much more serious." For Steve, the experience reinforced the importance of early detection and regular health screenings.

Since 2024, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the World Health Organization have been coaching health workers to achieve more than 90% competency in pre-diabetes, diabetes, diabetic foot, and wound management. So far, the results have been positive. 

Mr Claudence Pade, Honiara City Council (HCC) NCD Advocate, said: “Through coaching and quality improvement, we were able to detect both diabetes and pre-diabetes in people who never knew they had it.” He added that previously, most people only found out they had diabetes when they were already dealing with complications such as foot wounds and blindness, among others. “That’s why early screening is so critical to managing the disease before it gets worse.”

Quality improvement entails facility-led re-organization of outpatient environments, clarified staff roles, and strengthened clinical workflows, resulting in reduction of waiting time and identifying diabetic patients who visit for other health reasons.

Looking back, Steve admits he underestimated the risks associated with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). "I knew diabetes was related to lifestyle, but I didn't take it seriously," he said. "Now I understand how important it is for everyone, regardless of age, to get regular health checks."

Adapting to life with diabetes has not been easy. One of the biggest challenges has been changing long-established eating habits. Like many busy office workers, Steve often relied on convenient foods such as instant noodles, cakes, snacks, and sugary drinks throughout the workday. Today, his routine looks very different.


Smoking increases the risk of diabetes-related complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, blindness, poor wound healing, and lower-limb amputations, placing a significant burden on health systems. Photo: WHO/Ruel Serrano

Instead of purchasing processed foods, he prepares meals at home and brings them to work. His lunches now consist mainly of vegetables and locally grown root crops. "I have to be more disciplined now," he said. "I cook my food at home and carry it to the office. It takes effort, but it's necessary."

The transition has not always been smooth. "The hardest part is changing the lifestyle I was used to," Steve admitted. "But I'm getting there, slowly."

Fortunately, he has not had to face the journey alone. His wife has been one of his strongest supporters, helping him make healthier choices and adjust to a new way of living. He has also found encouragement from colleagues and friends who are managing diabetes themselves.

"We support each other," he said. "There are several people in my workplace who also have diabetes, so we encourage one another to stay on track."

Health workers have also played a vital role in helping Steve understand and manage his condition. Their advice on medication, diet, and lifestyle changes has given him confidence and direction. Perhaps the greatest change, however, has been a shift in mindset. "The thing I'm most proud of is that now I know," Steve said. "I'm conscious of my health. I have a new plan for my life."

Rather than viewing the diagnosis as a setback, he sees it as a second chance. "It may have come a little late, but it's better than not knowing at all," he reflected. "If I had continued without being diagnosed, things could have become much worse."

Today, Steve's goal is simple: maintain a healthy diet, manage his condition responsibly, and continue making choices that protect his future. His message to others is equally straightforward. "Life is important," he said. "If you value your life, you have to make sacrifices. Discipline brings a new lifestyle."

He also encourages people not to wait until they feel sick before seeking medical attention.

"Regular check-ups are very important," he said. "Sometimes you may think you're healthy, but there could be something happening that you don't know about."