Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa has issued an urgent alert to communities, urging them not to involve children in the clean-up efforts for drains and flood areas. This warning comes after reports indicated children were participating in cleaning activities at the Wailea settlement without the necessary protective gear.
While Ravunawa commended the community’s commitment to improving sanitation, he stressed that safety should be a top priority. With Fiji currently facing an increased risk of leptospirosis due to prolonged rainfall, the importance of adhering to protective measures has never been more significant.
The minister highlighted the risks associated with exposure to contaminated water, advising the public to wear appropriate gear, including boots and gloves, when engaging in clean-up efforts. He pointed out that children are particularly vulnerable to illnesses such as leptospirosis, typhoid, and skin infections.
“Community clean-ups must be overseen by responsible adults, and children must not be permitted to enter contaminated drains or flood waters under any circumstances,” he asserted.
To ensure public health is safeguarded, the Ministry encourages anyone showing symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, red eyes, or weakness to seek immediate medical attention from their nearest health facility. This proactive strategy is crucial for protecting at-risk populations, especially children, during this challenging time.