The Fiji Police Force has issued a crucial reminder for parents and guardians to closely supervise young children following a distressing incident involving a toddler. A 12-month-old child suffered severe burns, with over 50 percent of his body affected, after coming into contact with a hot pot left on the floor. This tragic event took place on Sunday in Navosa.
The child was promptly taken to Navosa Hospital and later transferred to Lautoka Aspen Hospital, where he remains under medical care. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident to determine whether negligence played a role.
Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew emphasized the need for heightened vigilance regarding child safety, a theme mirrored in previous warnings from law enforcement. Similar incidents have sparked concerns over child welfare, including cases where children have wandered unsupervised or faced life-threatening situations due to neglect. Just recently, a one-year-old boy tragically lost his life after wandering onto a road and being struck by a vehicle. In highlighting these concerns, ACP Chew noted that many of these incidents are preventable with proper supervision.
Additionally, Assistant Minister for Children Sashi Kiran has echoed these sentiments, urging caregivers to be attentive and to seek support when necessary to ensure safe environments for children. She has acknowledged the challenges that parents face, particularly in urban settings, while underscoring the critical importance of child protection.
This ongoing discourse aims to raise awareness and foster a culture of safety, hoping to reduce the likelihood of such tragic occurrences in the future. The commitment from officials to investigate and address the underlying issues of negligence illustrates a proactive approach aimed at safeguarding the welfare of all children in the community.
As communities rally to enhance child safety measures, there’s hope that these conversations will lead to better awareness and preventive actions among caregivers.
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