The Fiji Police Force has issued a vital reminder to parents and guardians to keep a close watch on young children following a serious incident involving a toddler. A 12-month-old child sustained severe burns affecting over 50 percent of his body after coming into contact with a hot pot that was left on the floor. This unfortunate event occurred on Sunday in Navosa.
The child was quickly taken to Navosa Hospital before being transferred to Lautoka Aspen Hospital, where he is currently receiving medical care. An investigation is underway to ascertain the circumstances of the incident and whether any negligence was involved.
Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew stressed the importance of increased vigilance regarding child safety. His remarks resonate with previous warnings from law enforcement about child welfare, highlighting incidents where unsupervised children have faced life-threatening situations. Just recently, a tragic case emerged where a one-year-old boy lost his life after wandering onto a road and being struck by a vehicle. ACP Chew pointed out that many of these tragic incidents are preventable through adequate supervision.
Additionally, Assistant Minister for Children Sashi Kiran has supported this message, urging caregivers to maintain attentiveness and seek help when needed to create safe environments for children. She acknowledged the difficulties parents face, particularly in urban areas, while emphasizing the critical nature of child protection.
This ongoing dialogue aims to elevate awareness and foster a culture of safety, with hopes of reducing the incidence of such tragic events in the future. The commitment from officials to investigate and address negligence illustrates a proactive stance aimed at protecting the welfare of all children in the community.
As communities come together to enhance child safety measures, there is optimism that these discussions will lead to improved awareness and preventive practices among caregivers.
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