The Health Ministry is doing all it can to ensure the measles outbreak in New Zealand does not affect Fiji.

In response to the regional outbreak, the Ministry has made measles vaccine available for free to all Fijians traveling overseas.

Travelers are urged to get vaccinated at least two weeks in advance before traveling abroad.

Health Minister, Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete says the immunization and vaccination program in place has been holding the country’s fort since the outbreak in New Zealand earlier this year.

“The storm is before us and it’s been before us ever since the beginning of this year with the outbreak that is happening in New Zealand. We’ve had visitors from New Zealand but so far we haven’t had a measles outbreak and that’s really showing that we’ve been blessed because of the preparation that we’ve done.”

Waqainabete says Fiji’s strong public health program, supported by a capable hospital system has also contributed to the country’s resilience to an outbreak.

“We’ve already set our strategies in place and we understand what’s happening around us. We’re conducting an outreach program and advocacy and we have to trust the system. When the test is brought to us, we need to trust the system that we prepared so much for will be able to hold it together.”

Speaking to FBC News, Fiji Medical Association President Basharat Munshi is confident that Fiji’s vaccination program is very effective.

“Fiji is very well prepared to not have this outbreak for our herd immunity in the Fijian population is very good because of our longevity of vaccination we’ve been receiving. Our general population is immune to this disease.”

The Health Ministry is encouraging everyone to get vaccinated to prevent the disease from entering the country.