Nine deaths and 4,000 confirmed dengue fever cases have been recorded in 2018.
Minister for Health Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete highlighted that these alarming statistics had massive impacts on families and schools around the country and government incurring huge social and economic burden.
Minister for Health Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete
While speaking at the launch of the World Mosquito Program in Denarau, Waqainabete says the project aims to implement the Wolbachia breed‑ into the mosquito species primarily responsible for dengue, chikungunya and Zika, in areas in Nadi and Lautoka.
Waqainabete says having zero risks to natural ecosystems, environment and human health, the program becomes one of the most efficient and effective biological control method adding that the interbreeding of the two mosquito species considerably decreases wild mosquitos and their risk of diseases.
Meanwhile, the World Mosquito Program will host a Bula Wolbachia Day at 10am tomorrow at Lautoka's carnival grounds for the public to learn more about the project's work in local communities.
