A law is limiting the health sector’s ability to engage with rural villages and improve public health, according to Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu.
He said the current Public Health Act ties the hands of authorities from directly engaging with rural villages and communities.
“This is why we have asked for a review of the Public Health Act. We need to be able to enter villages, raise awareness and understand their lifestyle,” he said.
He said this comes in the wake of rise in HIV cases, with reports indicating that 90 percent of those affected are from iTaukei communities.
“When there is an outbreak of disease, it does not matter where you are from, whether rural or urban areas; the health sector must be able to respond.”
He said the review of the law is necessary for addressing the health needs of iTaukei communities.
“Certain practices, such as building pig pens near homes, may contribute to health risks but cannot be addressed under the current legal framework. There are certain villages where pig pens are not supposed to be built, but the current law stops us from intervening.”
He did not provide a specific timeline on when the Act would be reviewed.
