The Tonga Red Cross, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and His Majesty’s Armed Force, have started a nationwide clean-up campaign known as Zika Response 2016.
The clean-up campaign aims to clean Tongatapu of rubbish that could become breeding grounds for mosquitoes that spread the virus. Zika Response 2016 started on Monday and it is scheduled to end on March 2 or March 3.
The Disaster Management Officer of the Tonga Red Cross, ‘Inoke Taufa said that once the Zika virus was confirmed in Tonga and spreading Red Cross termed that as a disaster that needed to be attended to.
Members of His Majesty’s Armed Force and volunteers from the Tonga Red Cross and staff have been picking up waste materials, tyres and other rubbish from around Nuku’alofa.
Mr Taufa says this is one of the major efforts in trying to stop and prevent the zika virus.
“I believe that this is one of the major responses in trying to fight against the spreading of Zika in our country,” he said.
“We are not only looking after the healthy welfare of our country but we are also looking after the welfare and safeness of our staff as they are the ones out there in the field with members of the HMAF in cleaning up the environment.”
Tonga Red Cross is also working together with the Ministry of Health in spraying the schools. He said the spraying campaign is free if anyone needed an assistance in spraying their compound.
The Chief Medical Officer for Public Health, Dr Reynold 'Ofanoa said they aim to eliminate the breeding sites of mosquitoes through the clean-up campaign.
The Director Legal / Policy and Plans of the HMAF, Commander Taniela Tuita said they support the campaign as that is their role to the Government.
“When the Ministry of Health brought out a national plan of cleaning the communities it was clear that HMAF will do anything to help for it is a call from Government,” Commander Taniela said.
Mr Taufa said the cleaning up started from the Kolomotu’a area on Monday. Kolofo’ou District is being covered today.
He also said that some of the outer villages of Tongatapu picked up their own rubbish.
“Niutoua and Houma are working together with us for they pick up their own rubbish and take it to Tapuhia. It is really helpful when some of the villages pick up their own rubbish and take it to Tapuhia,” Mr Taufa said.
“We really need the help of the people while we are proceeding with this nationwide response it would be easier for us while performing this task if the people help us along the way.”
The Clean-up schedule is being broadcast on radio.
Tonga Red Cross is coordinating and funding the Zika Response 2016 through New Zealand Government.
The Ministry of Health, Tonga Red Cross, HMAF and the Ministry of Internal Affairs are working together on this campaign.