Dr Fong says we must act now and prevent future infectious disease outbreaks caused by resistant micro-organisms

We must act now and prevent future infectious disease outbreaks and pandemics caused by resistant micro-organisms.

This was highlighted by the Permanent Secretary for Health Doctor James Fong during the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week Video and Poster Competition Awards Ceremony.

An antimicrobial is an agent that kills microorganisms or stops their growth. For example, antibiotics are used against bacteria and antifungals are used against fungi.

Doctor Fong says we must also make sure that we are using antimicrobials wisely and correctly otherwise, our children and their children will enter into a world where antimicrobials are of no use anymore.

He says deadly highly resistant microorganisms thrive in our communities causing un-treatable disease and death.

Dr Fong says activities such as the Video and Poster Competition is providing awareness on what people should do to prevent antimicrobials from being of no use anymore.

A third-year student of Fiji National University Neumi Donumainasau won first prize in the video category.

Donuminasau says the tablet that he has won today will help him in his studies and in making other videos like the one he produced during this competition.

The 23-year old says he aspires to become an engineer and by entering these competitions, it will enhance and broaden his knowledge.