The Naitasiri Provincial Council yesterday was presented the healthy island award at the Namosi House in Toorak, Suva.

The Roko Tui Naitasiri, Ifereimi Corerega was presented with the award by the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Rosy Akbar.

He was also presented a printer, hard drive and three laptops from Dr Wendy Snowdon, who was representing the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Mr Corerega said: “We are trying to strengthen the structure of the provincial council with all these programmes. The healthy island programme is under the national awareness centre programme and it is to look after the context of the health of the villagers.

“This programme goes together with health development and it gives us a sustainability approach in running the programme because there is a village health committee.”

Minister Akbar thanked the council for operationalising healthy island initiatives through the provincial health model, focusing on provincial, district and village levels.

Ms Akbar said: “I am informed that the proposal you submitted focused on utilising the traditional structures to revitalise the healthy island concept at the provincial level.

“Your achievements will inspire our nation and our people to raise up to the challenge and contribute towards developing a healthy population.”

Ms Akbar said the initiative would significantly assist in the roll-out of the wellness programmes in the Naitasiri sub-division, which comprises of four health centres, five nursing stations that service the 16 tikina and 91 villages.