What messages about the Covid-19 pandemic in Fiji have relevance in neighboring countries like the Solomon Islands?
One important message can be found in a piece in the Fiji Sun by Inoke Rabonu when he commented.
Quote.
The dynamics of the clinical COVID-19 response in Kadavu is one every Fijian can learn from as the Ministry of Health and Medical Services continues to fight the pandemic in the country.
Ministry of Health and Medical Services Chief Surgeon and FEMAT clinical lead in Kadavu, Dr Josese Turagava, said they had noted a contrast in dealing with COVID-19 patients in the urban areas and those identified on the island.
“Physiological fitness of those in the village is very different from someone in Suva. We have men and women over 70-years-old who are still going out to the mountains to bring root crops and fish at sea,” Dr Turagava said.
“We are dealing with a very healthy population, one with less NCDs, so when they contract the virus the dynamics of having to look after them is a lot easier; it’s a lot better here because of the healthy lifestyle that they have,” he said.
“The type of food that they consume here, healthy immune systems are really being evident in how cases have been easily managed.
“So, what we are trying to say is having to live a healthy lifestyle, eating healthy, building a strong and healthy immune system is something we must all acquire to have.”
Dr Turagava said while COVID-infected patients have surpassed 200 in Kadavu, only three patients have required hospitalisation at the Vunisea Hospital and all were in stable condition.
End of Quote.
Footnote
Kadavu, with an area of 411 square kilometres, is the fourth largest island in Fiji, and the largest island in the Kadavu Group, a volcanic archipelago consisting of Kadavu, Ono, Galoa and a number of smaller islands in the Great Astrolabe Reef.
A second important message Is found in a news bulletin from Radio New Zealand this morning, Tuesday, and I quote the details.
Quote
Ignorance key to Fiji Covid-19 crisis – NGO
The ignorance and blatant refusal to acknowledge science and facts on Covid-19 is the reason for the spike in cases in Fiji, the founder and director of a civil society organisation in the country said.
Sulique Waqa, of the Haus of Khameleon, believes the reluctance of Fijians to 'admit mistakes or accept the scientific findings' that have proven to save lives 'need to be addressed holistically by the populace'.
Waqa said majority of the Fijian people were 'deeply unwilling to change their minds' about the pandemic including vaccination.
"It's playing out during the pandemic among the many people in Fiji who refuse to be vaccinated, wear masks or practice social distancing.
"And when the facts clash with their pre-existing convictions they are jeopardising not only their health and well-being, but the lives of others as well.
"We should accept new information or admit to being wrong regarding the misconceptions surrounding the Covid-19 vaccine."
Waqa said it has been endorsed by the World Health Organization that the vaccines can save lives against the coronavirus outbreak.
"We are experiencing a national health emergency that is severely straining our health system, putting our front-line health workers at risk and crippling the economy.
"No doubt, there will be more deaths within the coming weeks and months unless Fijians get vaccinated with both doses.
End of quote.
Comments
It is a known fact that many in the Solomon Islands are suffering from illnesses caused by NCDs and it can be assumed that their immune systems are weakened and probably less able to fight off the coronavirus should it spread into the country.
Those that have so far opted not to be vaccinated, or only had one vaccination against Covid should take seriously the two messages that emerge from the situation in Fiji and take immediate steps to protect their health and their loved ones and friends.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
