Minister for Health Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete has commended the high vaccination rate on Vanua Balavu and says the support from islanders towards Government's effort against COVID-19 is a fine example for the other islands in the Lau Group.
Dr. Waqainabete says as a result, they have set a challenge to the other islands because the vaccination drive started on Vanua Balavu much later than on other islands but they exceeded them all in the number of people vaccinated.
He says the high vaccination rate does not mean all have been vaccinated.
The Minister says they will continue to preach the benefits of the vaccine and encourage those who are skeptical to get the jab.
He further says COVID as we have heard and witnessed, can mutate and the result is what we are seeing today – the Delta and Omicron variants.
Dr. Waqainabete says the Government is taking measures to ensure the safety of every Fijian and vaccination is a way forward in creating a safer Fiji.
He also stressed that COVID is here to stay and we must live with it, however, it is the duty of every Fijian to ensure that we are fully vaccinated and protect our fellow citizens.
The Minister has also assured villagers that the medical ship MV Veivueti will make regular visits with medical experts to conduct ‘on-island’ surgeries to complement the services at Lomaloma Hospital.
He says by bringing such services to their shores, the Government is reducing the cost to Fijians in the outer islands since traveling to Suva is expensive.
Dr. Waqainabete adds they will address the issues at Lomaloma Hospital as raised by the Sub Divisional Medical Officer and ensure that it delivers its services effectively.
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