Fiji: Officials out to prevent typhoid

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Source: http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=90383

Officials out to prevent typhoid

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

IN a bid to prevent the spread of typhoid, heath officials in the Northern Division have started an inspection drive targeting camp sites in the cane belt areas of Macuata.

Chief health officer Doctor Pablo Romanik said they had started inspecting sanitation facilities and water sources at camp sites for labourers who camp out during the cane harvesting season which begins next month.

Typhoid cases reported over the past years for Cakaudrove and Macuata also included cane labourers who camped out during the harvesting season.

Dr Pablo said they were liaising with the Fiji Sugar Corporation and the Sugar Cane Growers Council.

"It is important that we carry out inspection of sanitation facilities at camp sites and we are working with the FSC and the SCGC because the number of camps in the field outnumber our staff.

"The inspection is to see that the sanitation facilities and piping of water to camps are safe for human consumption," Dr Pablo said.

He said over the past years, reported cases of typhoid have also surfaced from the camps in cane belt areas.

Dr Pablo said they would complete inspection before the harvesting season begins.

National Farmers Union executive officer Rosan Lal said they've advised their members about the importance of keeping a safe and clean water and sanitation facilities.

"The farmers have been advised and we are aware of the health officials visitation to camp sites and we are happy to work with them in preventing any outbreak or the spread of typhoid," Mr Lal said.

 

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Re: Fiji: Officials out to prevent typhoid

Source: http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=90742

Typhoid outbreak worries Education Ministry

Friday, May 30, 2008

Update: 1:52PM SCHOOLS have been urged to take time to educate students on the importance of the need to practice good hygiene and to live in a clea environment.

Interim Education Minister Filipe Bole said the Ministry is concerned at the recent outbreak of typhoid in the Northern Division.

Mr Bole said since January there have been 117 reported cases and in Tailevu alone there have been 23 cases from Jaunary.

He said parents, care-givers and teachers are requested to take special care with proper hygiene practices such as boiling all drinking water, keeping food covered all times and washing hand properly after using the toilet.

"It is important that they work together to ensure that our school children are safe and enjoy a healthy and happy school term," said Mr Bole.

 

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Re: Fiji: Officials out to prevent typhoid

Source: http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=91554

Typhoid cases decrease

Sunday, June 08, 2008

TYPHOID cases in the Northern Division have been brought under control with only two cases reported per week, say health officials.

Compared to past months, chief medical officer Doctor Pablo Romanik said they have the situation under control.

"The situation is controlled at the moment and through our awareness programs and inspection in the community, our aim is to keep it at that number with a maximum of two cases a week.

"But we are working towards decreasing it so our awareness program teams have continued to go out to villages and the community to talk to the people about preventing typhoid."

He said the community has been supportive.

Dr Romanik said although total cases reported this year were higher than last year at a total of 120, health officials have worked hard to bring down the number of cases.

Typhoid cases reported in 2006 stood at 252, 319 in 2007 and 120 so far this year.

Dr Romanik said the work of the taskforce to combat typhoid has also helped.

Commissioner Northern Inia Seruiratu set up a taskforce of government workers to help combat the disease.

The taskforce includes representatives from the Health Ministry, water and sewerage department, civil societies and other stakeholders.