As Fiji enjoys sunny weather this New Year’s Eve, the Fiji Red Cross Society is urging residents, especially those in the Western Division, to stay alert to the potential rise of climate-sensitive diseases following recent flooding.
Diseases such as leptospirosis, typhoid, dengue fever, and diarrhoea often increase during and after flooding events, posing significant health risks to the community. Ragigia Dawai, Director General of the Fiji Red Cross Society, emphasized the heightened danger following the floods and called on everyone to implement simple yet essential protective measures for their families.
In the past three days, the Red Cross has assessed 75 households and provided assistance to over 295 individuals in the Western Division as part of their response efforts. They highlighted the presence of hotspot areas for leptospirosis, typhoid, dengue, and diarrhoea, underscoring the urgent need for residents to stay vigilant.
Dawai also recognized the vital support from Frezco Beverages Ltd and the National Disaster Management Office for their collaboration, noting that access to clean drinking water is crucial during this recovery period. She reiterated the importance of strong partnerships in times of crisis, which significantly enhance their relief efforts.
To protect health, residents experiencing symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unusual fatigue are strongly encouraged to seek medical attention promptly.
This situation highlights the resilience and proactive spirit of the Fijian community as they work together to overcome challenges posed by natural disasters. By remaining vigilant and supporting one another, communities can recover more effectively and minimize health risks.
We applaud the efforts of the Fiji Red Cross and local organizations for their swift action in providing assistance and promoting health awareness during this trying time. Together, with community cooperation, there is hope for a safe recovery and a celebration of the New Year without health worries.
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