Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is urging all Fijian families to ensure their children are vaccinated against measles.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is urging all Fijian families to ensure their children are vaccinated against measles.

As part of his response to the President’s speech in parliament this morning, Bainimarama says the measles cases remain restricted to the Serua/Namosi Subdivision.

“If anyone has any doubts please visit your nearest health centre with your child’s health record to have it checked by a health care worker. They will be immunized on the spot if needed.

Bainimarama also expressed his sincere condolences to the people of Samoa who have lost their loved ones to the recent measles outbreak.

“As many of you know Samoans are contending with an outbreak of measles which is suspected to have claimed nine lives. Mostly children under the age of two. I ask every Fijian to join me in prayer that this outbreak is quickly contained and the Samoan people are spared from the loss of lives.”

The Health Ministry has said the current vaccination stocks for measles are not unlimited.

The Ministry says the stocks should be used for the most vulnerable groups who are likely to catch and spread the disease as their main priority is to protect those at the highest risk first.

The measles outbreak is still confined to the Serua/Namosi subdivision, specifically the Wailali Settlement in Wainadoi.

There are currently four confirmed cases – all from the Wailali Settlement.