Fiji has launched a nationwide programme aimed at strengthening the fight against dengue fever and other vector-borne diseases through a new partnership between the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and GX Foundation.

The initiative was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in Suva, marking the start of a two-year programme focused on disease prevention, community awareness and capacity building.

Speaking at the launch, GX Foundation Chairman Leung Chun-ying said the programme builds on the success of a pilot project conducted in Suva and Nadi last year.

The pilot involved the distribution of mosquito control equipment and rapid dengue testing kits at airports, schools, markets and health facilities, while also providing training for local personnel.

Under the national programme, GX Foundation will provide 6,000 mosquito lamps, 15,000 rapid dengue test kits, 6,500 insecticide-treated bed nets and 100,000 sticky fly traps, along with health education resources.

The supplies will be distributed to high-risk communities, health facilities and ports of entry across the country.

The programme will also include training for health workers, public awareness campaigns and the development of a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the effectiveness of the interventions.

Leung said GX Foundation’s disease control model has delivered positive outcomes in several countries, including Timor-Leste, Honduras and along the China-Laos Railway, where physical mosquito control measures contributed to reductions in dengue transmission.

He acknowledged the leadership of Fiji’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services in advancing efforts to address vector-borne diseases and thanked the Chinese Embassy in Fiji and the World Health Organization for their support.

The initiative comes as Pacific Island countries continue to face increasing challenges from dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases, with climate change expected to further heighten risks in the region.