Getting 35% of the eligible population vaccinated so far is an enormous achievement by Fiji – Feakes

Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, John Feakes says Fiji would definitely be one of the top ranked countries in the world that are rolling out with COVID-19 vaccines at the moment after confirmation that 35%  of our eligible population have received the first jab.

In an interview with fijivillage, Feakes says with the Australian Government pledging to provide 1 million doses of AstraZeneca and the New Zealand Government pledging to provide 500,000 doses, the two countries will be able to provide enough vaccines so that Fiji can vaccinate all eligible people in the country.

Feakes also says the demand is high for the vaccine and vaccination hesitancy seems to be low based on the number of people coming forward to get vaccinated.

Feakes also confirms that the Australian Government has provided about 1,300 kilograms worth of Personal Protective Equipment and medical supplies, helped fit out 40 community isolation facilities and also helped with the set up of the FEMAT Field Hospital in Lautoka.

They have also provided technical assistance and advice on how to communicate COVID related risks to the public and provided funding for 14 additional health inspectors.

Feakes says they have also provided direct budget support for the current financial year which stands at $82 million while $880,000 has been provided to the Ministry of Agriculture to support local farmers under the Cash for Cultivation initiative.

He says the Australian Federal Police Staff based at the High Commission are also involved closely along with the NZ Police in advising the Fiji Police Force on COVID measures including how to avoid Police getting infected and more technical advice on the policing aspect of the Fiji Police Force’s response.

An Australian Defence Force member is also providing advice on logistics.