Health Ministry inspectors have taken significant action against public health violations in maritime areas, issuing 27 abatement notices as part of “Operation Summer Schools Launch Against Mosquitoes.” This initiative, organized by the Environmental Health Unit, aims to combat vector-borne diseases in Fiji, particularly within educational institutions in Ovalau.
During this operation, health professionals engaged with 16 school leaders to discuss improvements in infrastructure and environmental practices aimed at ensuring students’ long-term well-being. The inspectors executed spatial spraying at three secondary schools and 13 primary schools, along with their adjacent staff quarters. Comprehensive WASH assessments were also conducted in these locations, supplemented by project scoping and priority mapping.
Additionally, inspectors performed larval surveillance across 16 designated school zones to gain insights into mosquito breeding habits, which is critical for effective control strategies. The Ministry is actively collecting evidence that could result in formal legal action against those breaching the Public Health Act.
The operation in Ovalau is expected to wrap up by next week, after which the team plans to redirect their efforts to targeted high-risk communities. The overarching goal is to establish a successful model in Ovalau, which can serve as a blueprint for similar public health interventions in different regions. This proactive approach is essential for improving public health outcomes and fostering a healthier environment for future generations.