All public servants will have a half day on Friday to support a national cleanup campaign to prevent the spread of dengue fever that has already been declared an outbreak. 

The special day for the cleanup campaign was approved by the Cabinet in its meeting on Wednesday 17 April 2024 that discussed preventative measures and protection from dengue fever. 

In that meeting the Cabinet confirmed that the Ministry of Health will spearhead campaigns for the dengue fever outbreak declaration  and that includes the special day for a national cleanup campaign. 

Furthermore, the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development (M.W.C.S.D.) was instructed to make contact with villages to support the course and programme on preventative measures for dengue fever. 

The Public Service Commission (P.S.C.) has also been asked to confirm the participation of public servants to support the initiative and approve the half day on 26 April for the cleanup campaign. 

Other government entities that deal with businesses and companies, markets, and other offices are to inform them on making appropriate arrangements for the special day to cleanup. 

As for schools, the Ministry of Education and M.W.C.S.D. are to gather support from school committees to assist in cleaning up school compounds if schools are on holiday. 

Last Friday, the Director General of Health Aiono Dr. Alec Ekeroma declared a dengue fever outbreak following the rapid increase in reported cases at the hospitals. 

The Ministry of Health statistics show there were 82 new lab confirmed dengue cases recorded in the first two weeks of April and in total 216 dengue cases since November 2023. 

The dengue situation report dated 14^th April 2024 states the most affected age group are those over 60 years old and most affected areas are North West Upolu and Apia Urban Area regions. 

According to Aiono those with health complications are also vulnerable to dengue fever. 

The public has been asked to destroy areas where mosquitoes breed and use mosquito nets and mosquito repellants to protect themselves. 

The public are recommended to continue clean up and remove of all stagnant water sources around the house to ensure breeding grounds of mosquitoes are eliminated. 

Other awareness is for people to wear appropriate clothing to minimise mosquito bites, use mosquito nets and repellents.