‘Hidden diseases’ still hurting Fiji’s most vulnerable

Children missing school, families losing income and communities battling stigma in silence.

These are the real impacts of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), health officials warned during World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day celebrations at Twomey Hospital in Tamavua yesterday.

Government agencies, frontline health workers, community leaders and development partners gathered to renew Fiji’s commitment to eliminating NTDs as a national public health priority.

In an interview, Head of Health Protection at the Ministry of Health, Aalisha Sahukhan, said diseases such as scabies, leprosy, dengue and soil-transmitted infections continue to affect families across Fiji — particularly those with limited access to clean water, sanitation and health services.

She said people living with these illnesses often face stigma and social isolation, compounding their suffering.

“These diseases are not distant problems. They are real challenges faced by our communities,” she said.

“They affect children at school, families’ livelihoods and the well-being of entire communities.”

Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services Penioni Ravunawa said NTDs affect more than one billion people worldwide and remain closely linked to poverty and inequality.

He said Fiji had made significant progress in controlling several diseases through national health programmes and strong community participation.

The country has strengthened treatment programmes, trained community health workers and expanded partnerships with development organisations and health institutions.

However, Mr Ravunawa cautioned that the work was far from complete.

“Neglected tropical diseases are preventable and treatable, but they continue to harm health, education and economic productivity,” he said. “We must work together to eliminate them and ensure no one is left behind.”

Health officials say the national focus now is on strengthening prevention, improving coordination and increasing public awareness so communities can protect themselves and seek treatment early.

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