22,000 GeneXpert test kits donated by UNICEF through Asian Development Bank to Health Ministry

30,000 COVID-19 tests have been conducted in the country so far and this will be boosted by the 22,000 GeneXpert test kits donated by UNICEF together with the Asian Development Bank today.

Health Minister Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete says this form of testing is much faster as it will only take 45 minutes to get the results. Dr Waqainabete says the total cost of the support is about $900,000 and this will strengthen the capacity of testing on our borders and high-risk community as well.

He says Fiji is COVID-19 contained and this is only possible because the Ministry has been testing vigorously in communities.

The Minister also thanked the two organisations for their continuous support to Fiji.

ADB Regional Director for the Pacific Sub-regional Office, Masayuki Tachiiri says ADB has provided about US$8 million for the Pacific in acquiring testing kits and also other items such as protective equipment and medical supplies.

He says today's support is part of ADB's comprehensive support for the Fiji Government's ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.