In its effort to reduce poverty by 2020, the Fijian Government has over the years set aside a day for the eradication of poverty to showcase its services targeting the poor and underprivileged.

The Ministry of Women, Children & Poverty Alleviation says today gives these people a chance to raise their concerns and to recognize that poor people are the first ones in the fight against poverty.

Programs implemented under the ministry include Poverty Benefit Scheme, Bus Fare Subsidy Scheme, the Rural Pregnant Mother’s Food Voucher Scheme, Social Pension Scheme, Care & Protection and Poverty Benefit Scheme are part of an effort to assist people in coping with their daily struggles.

Minister responsible, Mereseini Vuniwaqa says these programs are initiatives designed to benefit those living on or below the poverty line with little or no stable source of income.

Meanwhile, to mark this day, Vuniwaqa is urging every-one to join in the fight to alleviate poverty as reducing poverty is everybody’s business and requires all stakeholders to work together with Government.