Fighting Filariasis: CDC Team Takes Action Across Fiji’s Islands

A dedicated team from the Lymphatic Filariasis Program at the Fiji Centre for Disease Control (CDC) in Tamavua, Suva, is on a vital mission to eliminate filariasis from our islands.

Today, the team conducted antigen testing for lymphatic filariasis on the beautiful island of Nayau—one of many key locations in their national testing campaign.

Filariasis is a mosquito-borne parasitic disease that can lead to severe and long-term health complications if left untreated.

The testing forms part of Fiji’s ongoing efforts to monitor the effectiveness of past mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns carried out in 2020 and 2023, particularly in the Western and Northern Divisions.

Earlier this month, the team also visited Moturiki and Kadavu for similar assessments.

Next week, they will continue their important work on Totoya Island.

Viniana Duituturaga, a team member of the Filariasis Elimination Project, explained that these tests will help determine whether further drug administration is needed—especially in the Northern and Eastern Divisions, where recent data shows an increase in cases.

By actively monitoring and responding to filariasis cases across our islands, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services is working to ensure a safer, healthier future for all Fijians.