The interim Minister for Health is calling on everyone in Fiji to take part in the National Mass Drug Administration Program to eliminate lymphatic filariasis which was launched yesterday.
Lymphatic filariasis, which is a disease spread by mosquitoes and is commonly known as " Elephantiasis" or waqawaqa in Fijian, can be prevented by taking tablets once a year for four to six years.
Dr Luveni said if everyone ensures they take their tablets, then we can all help to eradicate the disease.
The Health Ministry together with the World Health Organisation completed a five year mass drug administration in 2006 which covered 65 percent of the population, and this time the aim is to cover at least 85 percent of the population.
Symptoms during the early stages of the disease include fever, swelling of the affected area, acute attacks causing pain and redness.
