World Mosquito Programme Targets Nadi/Lautoka Hotspot for Dengue Outbreaks

Fijians need to continue to remove mosquito breeding sites from their backyards, says the Minster for Health and Medical Service Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete.

He made those remarks while he launched the World Mosquito Pro­gramme’s (WMP) Western Division Project at Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on Denarau in Nadi on Thurs­day night.

Dr Waqanibete expressed his sup­port and said the intervention was much needed in the areas of Nadi and Lautoka as hotspot for dengue outbreaks.

“Just last year, there were almost 4000 confirmed cases of dengue in Fiji.

“There are no available vaccines to prevent dengue and no medi­cines to permanently cure chikun­gunya and Zika,” said Dr Waqaina­bete.

He said the partnership with the WMP aligned with the ministry’s national development plan and showcased one of Fiji’s many de­velopment priorities that weree rooted in the principles of sustain­ability.

Speaking at the launch, New Zea­lands High Commissioner Jona­than Curr said their funding would enable WMP to help protect an ad­ditional 120,000 people.

“As part of our commitment to Fiji, we proud and honoured to fund the expansion of WMP’s Fi­jian project,” said Mr Curr.

“With promising a result from WMP’s other sites, we are confident in the self-sustaining Wolbachia method and know the Fiji team is working hard to ensure delivery of quality and timely outcomes,” he added.

With community support, the Programme’s Fijian team will im­plement the Wolbachia method in areas of Nadi and Lautoka that are at high-risk of mosqui­to-borne disease transmission.

Edited by Susana Tuilau

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