Scabies prevalence in Fiji almost halved following a national mass drug administration campaign carried out in 2022.
Speaking to fijivillage News during the Pacific Islands Health Research Symposium, National Scabies Coordinator for the World Scabies Program in Fiji Melaia Liku says the national prevalence of scabies dropped from 6.2 percent before the campaign to 3.4 percent following the mass drug administration.
Liku says the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the World Scabies Program, offered oral ivermectin to people across Fiji regardless of whether they showed signs of scabies.
She says reductions in scabies prevalence were recorded across all age groups.
Liku says while anyone can develop scabies, infants and children are particularly at risk because the condition spreads easily through direct skin-to-skin contact.
She stresses that scabies is not associated with poor hygiene.
Liku says in communities where scabies control programmes have not been carried out, studies have found that between 20 and 30 percent of the general population, and up to 50 percent of children, can be affected.
She says since 2024, the World Scabies Program has been working with the Ministry of Health on health systems strengthening activities to ensure the gains made through the mass drug administration are sustained.
The National Scabies Coordinator says this includes training clinical and community healthcare workers, developing scabies treatment guidelines, improving data collection and monitoring, supporting national access to scabies medication and ensuring there are no stock-outs.
Liku says the programme is also working to ensure scabies control is incorporated within the Ministry of Health system.
She says the Ministry also operates dermatology clinics at Twomey Hospital where people with scabies can receive treatment.
Liku stresses the best way to prevent the spread of scabies is to seek treatment early.
She warns that if left untreated, scabies can cause complications, as scratching can break the skin and lead to secondary bacterial infections, which may result in serious complications including septicaemia and kidney disease.
She says scabies can also cause severe itching, sleep disturbances, reduced performance at school or work, stigma and social isolation.
Liku says common signs include an itchy rash, particularly on the hands or feet.
She is urging anyone who suspects they have scabies to visit their nearest health centre.
Liku adds if one person in a household has scabies, all household members should be treated as they may have the condition without showing symptoms.
