Category Public Advisory

PRESS RELEASE # 4 | 16 January 2026.

Members of the public are being urged to take good care of their young ones, as we undergo extreme weather conditions.

Parents, guardians, and childcare providers are strongly advised to re-enforce the following essential health practices:

1. Maintain Strict Hygiene: Ensure frequent handwashing with soap and water for both children and caregivers, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
2. Practice Respiratory Etiquette: Teach children to cough or sneeze into a tissue or their bent elbow. Dispose of used tissues immediately and wash hands. Use of mask is encouraged to prevent the spread of diseases.
3. Stay Home if Unwell: Children showing signs of fever, cough, cold, or diarrhea should be kept at home from school, kindergarten, or daycare to prevent potential spread to others.
4. Ensure Up-to-Date Vaccinations: Check that your child’s immunizations are current according to the National Immunization Schedule. This is a critical layer of defense.
5. Seek Timely Medical Advice: If your child becomes ill, consult a healthcare professional early. Avoid self-medication.

The Ministry is in close contact with all healthcare divisions, including the Pediatric unit at the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital, to ensure robust monitoring and response. We will provide the public with further updates as necessary.

Our collective vigilance and adherence to these simple, effective measures are the best way to protect our young ones.

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PRESS RELEASE # 3 | 14 January 2026.

Members of the public are being urged to celebrate the New Year safely and responsibly, following reports of individuals being thrown into drains, flooded areas, and other unhygienic environments during water‑related festivities.

While water‑throwing is a long‑standing and joyful Fijian tradition, recent behaviors have introduced significant health and safety risks. Drains, stagnant pools, and muddy areas often harbor harmful bacteria and contaminants that can cause serious infections and diseases.

Health Risks

Exposure to dirty or contaminated water can result in:

• Skin infections
• Fungal diseases
• Eye infections
• Gastrointestinal illnesses
• Leptospirosis, a potentially life‑threatening bacterial disease spread through water contaminated with animal urine
• Injuries from sharp objects, slippery surfaces, or hidden debris

Leptospirosis cases typically rise during Fiji’s wet season, and unsafe water activities increase the risk of outbreaks.

The Ministry strongly encourages:

• Celebrating with clean water only
• Avoiding drains, creeks, flooded areas, and muddy environments
• Supervising children during celebrations
• Seeking medical attention immediately if symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, red eyes, or vomiting occur after exposure to dirty water

We want everyone to enjoy the New Year, but we must do so safely.

Throwing people into drains or contaminated water is dangerous and can lead to serious illness and injuries. Let’s protect our families, our communities, and our health.

The Ministry thanks the public for their cooperation and wishes everyone a safe and healthy New Year

ENDS.

PRESS RELEASE # 2 | 13 January 2026.

The Ministry of Health confirms a temporary adjustment to service delivery at the Ono-i-Lau Health Centre following an incident that is currently before the court.

The Ministry prioritizes the security of its facilities and the safety of its staff. As a precautionary measure, health personnel will be temporarily relocated from the island this week.

Health service will continue virtually from Labeka Hospital daily, supported by the Divisional Eastern Health Services office. Community care will also be maintained through our three local Community Health Workers in Doi, Nukuni, and Matokana villages.

The Ministry assures the public that these are interim measures while a permanent security and staffing framework is established. We remain committed to restoring full primary health services to Ono-i-Lau as soon as possible, under conditions that guarantee the dignity and safety of our staff and the security of our facilities.

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