IN an attempt to control the spread of communicable diseases, eight secondary school students yesterday took the stage to compete in an oratory contest at Labasa.
The students spoke on the theme, Wellness: Free from Communicable Diseases at the Labasa Civic Centre building auditorium.
All Saints Secondary School orator Lily St John said it was imperative for the public to work with the Health Ministry to control the spread of the diseases.
"It's often highlighted in the media that diseases like typhoid, leptospirosis and dengue fever destroy people's lives almost every year not only in the country but worldwide," Lily said. "There is a need for us to join in the fight against these diseases and we can only do this by informing people about basic hygiene practices.
"People should eat right to live right and it's also crucial for us to take heed of the health experts' advice when we visit them at the hospitals," she said.
Divisional health inspector northern Rakesh Kumar said students were the target groups to disseminate information on healthy tips in their various communities.