Rewa Subdivision Marks World Mosquito Day with Community Action and Student Engagement
September 16, 2026
FIJI CELEBRATES WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DAY 2026 WITH NATIONWIDE DIVISIONAL EVENTS
Environmental Health Officers (EHOs), government agencies, community partners, and students across Fiji came together to commemorate World Environmental Health Day 2026. Anchored by the global theme, “Standing with Science to Protect Communities”, coordinated events across the Western, Northern, and Central Divisions highlighted the critical role environmental health plays in safeguarding public health, protecting natural resources, and building resilient communities.
Western Division: Empowering Youth Advocacy in Lautoka
In the Western Division, Environmental Health Officers travelling from Sigatoka to Rakiraki convened at Lautoka Central College for a day centred on advocacy and youth empowerment.
A central highlight of the event was a student oratory competition, where secondary school students delivered persuasive speeches detailing the vital link between sound environmental health practices and community well-being. EHOs engaged directly with youth and educational leaders, reaffirming their shared dedication to maintaining high standards of food safety, sanitation, and disease control across the division.
Northern Division: Cross-Sector Collaboration in Seaqaqa
The Northern Division event in Seaqaqa showcased multi-agency co-operation, drawing together EHOs from Bua, Macuata, Cakaudrove, and Taveuni alongside public, private, and civil society organisations.
Key participating partners included the District Office, Ministry of Justice, Department of Social Welfare, HIV Services, Water Authority of Fiji, National Fire Authority (NFA), Special Administrator Labasa, Merchant Finance, and Vodafone.
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Guest Mr Jonathan Batisarisari emphasised the importance of grounded communication and community participation in translating environmental science into everyday health protections. Interactive displays and public discussions demonstrated how diverse sectors can align around a single goal: protecting local communities from environmental health risks.
Central Division: Integrated Health and Wellness in Wainibuku
In the Central Division, a joint commemoration of World Environmental Health Day and World Heart Day was hosted at Delaidogo Settlement, Wainibuku, emphasising the direct link between environmental conditions and cardiovascular wellness.
Opening the ceremony, the Divisional Health Inspector Central addressed attendees on the power of scientific standards in preventative health. Field teams conducted comprehensive outreach, including:
On-site health and medical screenings.
Healthy food preparation and nutrition demonstrations.
Field displays illustrating EHO operations, including specialised lung kit demonstrations to highlight environmental impacts on respiratory health.
Community fitness activities, culminating in an energetic Zumba session led by the National Fire Authority team.
A Unified Commitment
Through education, multi-agency partnerships, and direct community engagement, the World Environmental Health Day 2026 celebrations reinforced a collective pledge across Fiji: to apply science-backed environmental health measures to ensure every community remains clean, safe, and resilient.
