The Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, called on students in Fiji to champion hygiene practices during the observation of Global Handwashing Day in Nadi. Emphasizing the significance of handwashing, he highlighted it as one of the most straightforward and effective methods to prevent disease transmission.
“Handwashing is often overlooked in our adult lives, but it is a practice we must nurture from a young age,” Dr. Lalabalavu shared during his address, acknowledging that even he sometimes forgets this crucial habit. He stressed the importance of instilling handwashing habits early to promote lifelong health awareness and practices.
The Minister also noted that regular handwashing not only guards against illness but can help reduce overall healthcare costs, underscoring the financial benefits of maintaining good hygiene. He appreciated the contributions of partners like the Ministry of Education and Colgate-Palmolive, which have played a vital role in raising awareness and supporting hygiene initiatives throughout the year.
Dr. Lalabalavu encouraged the students in attendance to be proactive in promoting handwashing within their schools. “Be a hero of handwashing; take up this habit and advocate its importance to your classmates and the adults around you,” he urged.
Global Handwashing Day, celebrated annually in Fiji since 2010, serves as a reminder of the critical role that proper hand hygiene plays in curbing communicable diseases and fostering overall community wellbeing.
The emphasis on handwashing reflects ongoing efforts in Fiji to promote health, especially through initiatives like those led by private sector partners such as Punjas Group. Recently, Ocean Soaps, a division of Punjas, supported hygiene campaigns by providing antibacterial soap to schools, reinforcing the message that regular handwashing significantly impacts public health and promotes healthier communities.
These multi-faceted collaborations between the government and private entities are encouraging as they focus not only on immediate health benefits but also on the long-term goal of developing ingrained healthy habits among Fiji’s young generations. Such initiatives not only aim to enhance hygiene but also highlight the importance of community action in improving health outcomes across the nation.