People are being urged to boil drinking water and practice basic sanitation to prevent waterborne diseases during this heavy rain.
While speaking at a press conference, Permanent Secretary for Health, Dr Jemesa Tudravu says members of the public in rain-affected and flood-prone areas should boil all untreated drinking water and use clean containers for water storage.
Dr. Tudravu says boiling water will help prevent the spread of waterborne diseases, such as typhoid fever and diarrhoeal diseases.
He has also urged the public to store adequate water for consumption, cooking, hand washing, and personal hygiene.
The Permanent Secretary says children should be discouraged from playing in flooded areas, which may be contaminated by sewage due to overflow from sewerage systems.
Dr. Tudravu also highlighted the importance of protecting food items and medicines stored at home from water damage by keeping them in elevated and dry areas.
He adds the Ministry remains committed to issuing public advisories and implementing measures to prevent and control potential disease outbreaks resulting from the current heavy rains and flooding.
He says the Ministry is looking forward to the continued support and cooperation of the public in addressing these health concerns.
