Fiji's Opposition is calling on the government to inform the public of its plan to address the hike in dengue fever and leptospirosis cases.
Health professionals learning more about leptospirosis Photo: Pacific Community
Last week, the Health Ministry declared an outbreak of both diseases.
The ministry said between January and July, 3300 dengue cases and 1000 cases of leptospirosis were recorded.
It also said 14 people had died from both diseases with a spike in cases seen after Cyclone Harold in April.
National Federation Party (NFP) vice-president, Lenora Qereqeretabua, said given the severity of the outbreaks, the government urgently needed to develop a plan.
In a statement, Ms Qereqeretabua said it should also tell people the truth about the outbreaks.
"It is truly shocking how government has failed our people on these disease outbreaks," she said.
"It boasts to the world about its Covid-19 response. It blasts us with posters and publicity and advertisements everywhere about the coronavirus. It even restricts our movements at night using Covid-19 as the excuse.
"Meanwhile, 4300 people are reported to be suffering from dengue and leptospirosis in Fiji."
Qereqeretabua said the treatment strategies for dengue and leptospirosis were "decades old".
"Public health and community education are critical. What is happening? Why is the Government doing nothing?
"It's good to tell the tourists that we are Covid-free. Now, please turn our attention to the health and lives of thousands of our own people."
But the Permanent Secretary for Health, Dr James Fong, said the ministry did not see the need for publicity about the outbreaks because they were "part of the normal business that we do year in and year out".
Fong said health inspectors "were on to it" and were conducting clean-up campaigns where needed.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease while leptospirosis is transmitted by urine from infected animals.
