Scabies continues to plague children, says Health Ministry

Despite improvements in public health, scabies continues to affect many children across Fiji, with some health centres reporting infection rates of up to 50 per cent.

Speaking at the World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day celebration at Twomey Hospital in Tamavua yesterday, dermatologist Dr Metuisela Tuicakau said children remained the most vulnerable.

“Scabies is a skin infection that spreads easily through contact,” Dr Tuicakau said.

“That is why it is very common among children. Even though we have made progress over the years, we continue to see cases in our clinics.”

He said families face daily challenges as the highly infectious condition causes intense itching and discomfort, affecting children’s school attendance and overall well-being.

Dermatologist Dr Metuisela Tuicakau

Photo: Rariqi Turner

Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa said Fiji was taking steps to combat the disease.

“It is a critical disease that we experience across the Pacific because of our tropical climate, and Fiji is not isolated in that matter,” he said.

Mr Ravunawa said a special committee had been established, with recommendations to introduce medication that directly treats scabies.

He added that the Ministry of Health closely monitors disease outbreaks nationwide through its surveillance system.

“We have a national CDC that keeps watch 24/7 on any significant infection reported from more than 220 health facilities across the country. They collate the data and advise whether public awareness campaigns are needed,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Tuicakau highlighted advances in treatment, noting the availability of a single-tablet medicine, avermectin, which has proven effective in treating scabies locally and globally.

While Fiji has eliminated diseases such as leprosy and trachoma, health experts say more work is needed to protect children from scabies and other neglected tropical diseases.

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