The formulation of a cross-sectoral strategy on the prevention and control of leptospirosis is envisioned to enable Fiji and regional countries to take a lead role in progressing a national strategy and a regional strategy for the prevention and control of leptospirosis.
Speaking at the International Expert Meeting to control leptospirosis, the Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office Pio Tikoduadua said that the process of formulating a cross sectoral strategy on the prevention and control of leptospirosis in Fiji will be a first for the region.
“Fiji recognises that there is no prevailing regional or country strategy on leptospirosis in the Western Pacific region,” PS Tikoduadua said.
“Formulating a National Strategic Plan on Leptospirosis Prevention and Control for Fiji will be a first for the small Pacific Nation of the Pacific and perhaps also the Western Pacific Region.”
The permanent secretary also pointed out that such a plan is envisioned to afford Fiji and the region the committed expertise and funding that it needs to concertedly and sustainably prevent and control the disease.
“The Peoples Charter for Change Peace and Progress through Pillar 10 also reaffirms Government commitment to improving health service delivery,”
Mr Tikoduadua added that the Fiji Ministry of Health in recognising the burden of leptospirosis on the population has allocated substantial clinical and public health budgetary funds each year for the control of the disease.
“A National Taskforce for the Control of Communicable Disease was established by the Ministry of Health charged with developing the best evidence based prevention and control strategy and the relevant policies for the different outbreak prone CDs including leptospirosis,” PS Tikoduadua said.
World Health Organisation representative in the Pacific, Dr Dongil Ahn said that the importance of leptospirosis was brought into clear focus in 2012 following widespread flooding in the Western Division due to Cyclone Ami in Jan and Cyclone Daphne in March.
“I would like to acknowledge a great effort of central and local government in Fiji in their response to this large leptospirosis outbreak,” Dr Ahn said.
“A number of key steps were taken which included the establishment of a National Taskforce to provide technical guidance to health centre and hospitals and the implementation of a community awareness campaign to highlight the symptoms of leptospirosis and to encourage early health-seeking behaviour.”
The two day workshop ends tomorrow.
-End-