Noting the seriousness of the current dengue outbreak in the country, 14 communities in the Lami area, including 300 youths' came together to conduct a massive clean-up campaign in Lami.
The clean-up campaign was organised by the Eco Guardians of Fiji, in collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Health.
While expressing his enthusiasm for the clean-up campaign, Assistant Minister to the Office of the Prime Minister Sakiusa Tubuna says the clean-up campaign is an opportune time to mobilise Lami communities to look after their surroundings and protect them from diseases such as dengue, which is ravaging most of the communities in Lami.
He says indiscriminate rubbish dumping, particularly in largely populated areas, contributes to the spread of dengue fever by creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Tubuna says stagnant water in blocked drains and discarded containers provide an ideal environment for mosquito lava to develop, and these regular clean-ups assist in removing rubbish and destroying potential mosquito breeding sites.
He adds indiscriminate rubbish dumping persists everywhere we go, and it is an eyesore.
Tubuna also applauded the organisation of the post-clean-up campaign volleyball tournament at Johnson Park in Lami, which would also bring together the youths of Lami.
He says we need CSOs to continue developing these sorts of activities and keep our children and youths engaged.
The Assistant Minister adds this will help in deterring them from engaging in illegal activities.
The engaged communities include Waikerekere, Wailekutu, Wainigasau, Bilo, Veisari, Kalekana, Naivikinikini, Qauia, Matata, Valenicina, Lami Koro, Suvavou, Nadonumai and Delainavesi with an initial training.
Meanwhile, a dengue outbreak has been declared for the Western and Central Divisions.
According to the Health Ministry, 5,128 dengue fever cases were reported nationally from January 1st to the 23rd of last month.
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