In its bid to fight against mosquito related diseases, the Northern Division clean up marathon was launched yesterday at Vunivau, Labasa.

Ministry of Health Services and Labasa Health Office has earmarked the month of November to conduct a four week long clean-up campaign in the peri-urban area and rural villages of Labasa that are dengue fever high risk areas.

Speaking at the launch last Saturday, Divisional Secretary Soko Tuima said the clean-up exercise targets the elimination of mosquito breeding places to prevent future outbreaks of mosquito borne diseases.

“Dengue fever, chikunguya and the zika virus are potentially serious viral infection smainly characterized by high fever and severe body aches,” Mr Tuima said.

Mr Tuima said the national clean-up campaign involves all government agencies pooling their resources and cooperating across the board to clean up Fiji.

“Today, we are all here together for a purpose and that is to renew our commitment towards preventing further outbreaks of mosquito born diseases,” he said.

He said it is time to change and people need to work together.

“Be responsible, do not litter or throw away such water-collecting structures anyhow, dispose all waste containers properly in rubbish pits,” he said.

“Be active; join the campaign by cleaning up your compound. Join others if your neighbourhood needs cleaning up.”

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola