More medical personnel from Aust and NZ arrive in Fiji to help combat the spread of COVID-19

A team of 14 medical personnel from Australia and New Zealand and three liaison officers have arrived into Fiji to help the Ministry of Health combat the spread of COVID-19.

The ANZMAT team – Bravo – which will replace the ANZMAT Alpha Team who have been in Fiji since 21st June.

More medical personnel are expected to arrive in the coming days.

Health Minister, Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete says the Fijian Government is truly grateful of the support given to Fiji by Australia and New Zealand through the joint Australian-New Zealand Medical Assistance Team and it couldn't have come at a better time.

Dr. Waqainabete says we needed help, and Australia and New Zealand selflessly offered to stand beside us during this very challenging time.

He further says the ANZMAT Alpha Team have done tremendously well during these last few weeks and they thank them for their efforts adding that the FEMAT and the Ministry is looking forward to working with the replacement Bravo Team in tackling this deadly virus in Fiji for the health of our people.

NZ’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Jonathan Curr says New Zealand is proud to deploy a second group of New Zealand medical specialists, alongside their Australian partners, in this Medical Assistance Team, to further support Fiji’s health system management.

The Australian High Commissioner to Fiji John Feakes says Australia continues to stand by Fiji as we battle COVID-19 together.

He says the arrival of Bravo today signals their commitment to Fiji and brings renewed hope to Fiji’s frontline heroes who have been facing the brunt of this dreadful virus for many months.

Based on advice from the ANZMAT Alpha Team, the majority of whom depart Fiji for Australia on Monday, the ANZMAT Bravo Team will focus predominantly on infection prevention and control, workforce and systems at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital and offer support to other facilities in Suva, including the FEMAT Hospital, as required.

In their time here, the Alpha team has supported the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to establish an intermediate care facility at the National Gymnasium.

The Alpha team has deployed a Rapid Response Unit to numerous health facilities in Suva to support local staff to strengthen infection prevention control protocols. They have surveyed the overall health system in Suva, including looking into Fiji’s oxygen capabilities.

The Bravo team has also brought 3 fully equipped ambulances, 2000kg of Personal Protective Equipment & medical supplies, 50 stretcher beds and Oxygen concentrators and medical equipment to assist with critical care needs.