The Fijian Broadcasting Corporation has cancelled its 2DAYfm 31/12 Annual New Year’s Eve party due to the measles outbreak.

With the Health Ministry advising against mass gatherings, the media company is not taking any risks and is prioritizing the well-being of all Fijians.

FBC’s Chief Executive, Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says a lot of work and months of planning had gone into organizing the annual event.

“The Ministry of Health is not in the game of giving directives for no reason. They must have a very genuine concern about the spread of measles and that’s why they’ve advised everyone not to have mass gatherings. It’s disappointing for the guys who work on this because there’s a lot of work that goes in and we prepare months in advance and there’s a lot of commitments. We lose money in the process because we had to cancel but we just have to do the right thing.”

Head of Health Protection, Dr Aalisha Sahukhan says there’s been a positive response from various organizations regarding mass gatherings.

She says the ministry appreciates FBC’s efforts and support in helping to contain the disease.

“I know FBC has also postponed or cancelled some of their events so we thank all of these organizations for the support they have given to the Ministry of Health in combatting this measles outbreak.”

Meanwhile, there are now 21 confirmed cases of measles.

The latest cases are a 13-year-old from Nasilai Village in Nakelo Rewa, and a 27-year-old from Saumakia Village in Naitasiri.