Fiji deploys chemical-free dengue control program

Fiji is implementing a new nationwide dengue control program that utilizes chemical-free technology to combat mosquito-borne diseases. This initiative represents a collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the GX Foundation, a charitable organization based in Hong Kong. The program focuses on physical mosquito control methods, eschewing chemical insecticides and biological interventions. Central to this approach are specialized mosquito lamps designed to attract mosquitoes with a unique light frequency before eliminating them in an electric trap. Leung Chun-ying, Chair of the GX Foundation, highlighted the technology's effectiveness, noting its success in countries like Honduras and Timor-Leste. He stated that this method is expected to significantly reduce mosquito populations in Fiji. The Ministry of Health will support the program with 6,000 mosquito lamps, 6,500 bed nets, 150,000 rapid dengue test kits, and 100,000 fly traps to enhance prevention and early detection efforts across the nation. Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa emphasized that this program, backed by over $2 billion in medical supplies and capacity building, will bolster Fiji's ability to prevent and respond to vector-borne diseases. The program is slated to commence in July, providing communities with essential disease prevention tools and rapid detection resources.

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And flies, on the other hand, carry about 100 pathogens, harmful germs that, for example, sometimes can make people lose their eyesight. These dangerous creatures have been around with us for a long time.