A second consignment of personal protective equipment and medical supplies has arrived from New Zealand to support Fiji’s COVID-19 containment efforts.
The New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji Jonathan Curr revealed that over 13 tonnes of medical personal protective equipment worth $700,000 has been sent from Auckland to further bolster the Ministry of Health and Medical Service’s capacity to fight the virus.
This follows the initial deployment of 3 tonnes of PPE worth $200,000 that was sent in May.
Curr says New Zealand is a close friend of Fiji and as natural partners they come to each other’s assistance during these challenging times.
He says their priority is to work in solidarity by sharing resources and supporting Fiji in the COVID-19 response.
PPE for healthcare workers includes gowns, face shields, goggles, gloves, disposable face masks, shoe covers, bouffant caps and other supplies such as infrared thermometer, anti-bacterial tabs, biohazard bags, swab kits and many more.
This support is complemented by an additional FJ$14 million to support the Fijian Government’s COVID-19 response and civil society organisations working with vulnerable households.
New Zealand has also partnered with Australia to deploy a Medical Assistance Team to work alongside the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to provide immediate support for health system management and infection prevention control.
The NZ High Commission has also worked closely with Civil Society Organisations to support communities with food relief packs, hygiene kits and counselling services across Viti Levu.
Curr says they remain in contact with the Fijian Government and their partners on the ground and New Zealand stands ready to respond to further requests for assistance.
