Category Press Release

PR 51/23

Date: 23/11/2023

Public Advisory

Ministry monitoring reports of clusters of respiratory illness in children in Northern China

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is monitoring reports in the last 24 hours of an increase in respiratory illness in Northern China, especially in children. The Ministry has consulted the World Health Organisation (WHO) and note that the WHO has requested additional information from China, as stated in a press release today.

We also note that as China enters its winter season, it has reported an increase in respiratory infections that include influenza, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and mycoplasma pneumonia, which are all common pathogens that cause respiratory illness in children.

It is possible that the more recent reports of an increase in respiratory illness in Northern China are also due to these common respiratory viruses that affect children, which decreased during the pandemic due to restrictions put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and then rebounded once those restrictions lifted. We saw a similar situation in Fiji and other countries in the last two years.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services will continue to monitor the situation and update the public as more information is received.

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Ministry of Health & Medical Services,

Communications Team

Mobile: 2384535

Email: katonivualikumela@gmail.com; mela.katonivualiku@health.gov.fj; riaz.healthfiji@gmail.com;

Thursday 16^th November, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

Urgent – Nausori Health Centre Update

Members of the public are herein advised that all General Outpatients Department (GOPD) services and Dental Services for Nausori Health Centre will resume tomorrow morning, Friday (17/11/23) from 0700hrs (7am).

Emergency cases and Maternity cases only will continue to be seen at the Nausori Maternity Hospital.

Normal operations for Special Outpatients Patients Department (SOPD), Maternal and Child Health Services (MCH), Pharmacy and Physiotherapy services have resumed today Thursday 16^th November, 2023.

The field hospital which was taken down during TC Mal, as a precautionary measure, is currently being set up together with the necessary supportive equipment as the Nausori Health Centre is undergoing urgent renovations.

The Ministry of Health & Medical Services apologises for any inconvenience caused and please note that our health team on site will be more than happy to assist members of the public present at any health facility.

For more information, please contact our Help Line on 9921074 or email: rewamedicalsdoperationscenter@gmail.com

PR50/23

16/11/2023

Public Advisory

Ministry of Health Prepares for Possible Leptospirosis, Typhoid, Dengue fever and Diarrheoal disease Outbreaks

With TC Mal leaving our shores, the Ministry of Health & Medical Services will be focusing its post-cyclone approach on combatting Leptospirosis, Typhoid, Dengue and Diarrhoea (LTDD) as the risk of outbreaks of LTDD increases following periods of flooding and heavy rain. The Ministry of Health & Medical Services recognizes the need for urgent, focused and sustained efforts to reduce the risk of LTDD outbreak and to reduce the risk of severe outcomes in those that get LTDD disease.

We will be escalating community awareness and community mobilization for LTDD, including through a mass media campaign, to provide information to the public for prevention of LTDD disease and for early recognition of symptoms and presentation to medical facilities. Awareness will also be raised amongst clinicians to enable early recognition of signs and symptoms and appropriate treatment. We will also be strengthening Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives, facilitating clean up campaigns and other environmental control measures in at risk communities.

We urge the public to take heed of the Ministry’s advice to prevent LTDD outbreaks and severe outcomes of LTDD disease post cyclone and during the current rainy season.

LTDD Resources: https://www.health.gov.fj/ltds/

For more information please contact:

Ms Mela Katonivualiku,

Senior Media Liaison Officer,

Ministry of Health & Medical Services,

Email: mela.katonivualiku@health.gov.fj

PR 47/23

Date: 14/11/2023

Public Advisory

Urgent – Health Checks & Clinics

Members of the public who missed out on their scheduled clinic dates due to the current weather conditions are advised to visit their nearest medical facility when the weather improves.

This is in particular for patients who attend the Special Outpatients Department (SOPD) for the management of their health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, and heart conditions at the Ministry’s various health facilities.

The Ministry of Health & Medical Services will continue to advice the public if there are changes in the opening times and operations of our health facilities as determined by the prevailing weather conditions.

Any member of the public who require urgent medical attention should visit their nearest medical facility for their care, or contact the following numbers for assistance.

The following numbers can be contacted for medical advice:

Central division: 3314 988

Western division: 666 0411

Northern division: 8812 522

Eastern division: 332 0844

ENDS

PR 46/23

Date: 14/11/2023

Public Advisory

Pre-Cyclone Health Risks Warning

As we prepare for Tropical Cyclone Mal, members of the public are advised to take precaution and take heed of the following health risks;

• Injuries from flying debris and collapsed structures;
• Drowning in floodwaters;
• Mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue fever;
• Waterborne diseases such as Diarrhoea and Typhoid fever;
• Bacterial disease such as Leptospirosis;
• Mental health problems such as anxiety and depression;
• Special health needs of the elderly, the disabled, children and babies, pregnant mothers, and family members with chronic diseases.

The following precautions should be taken to minimise the risk of health problems during a tropical cyclone;

• Stay indoors and avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary;
• Secure your home and belongings;
• Store food and water safely;
• Filter and boil all drinking water;
• Wear insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes;
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water;
• Monitor your mental health and seek help if you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed;
• Ensure that those on treatment at home have adequate amounts of the medicines and medical supplies they use.
• Prepare for the immediate transfer of vulnerable family members to the nearby health facility if the need arises.

Members of the public are urged to seek immediate medical attention if anyone they know is injured or ill.

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Ms Mela Katonivualiku,

Senior Media Liaison Officer,

Ministry of Health & Medical Services,

Email: katonivualikumela@gmail.com; mela.katonivualiku@govnet.gov.fj