People in Fiji can expect enhanced health support in response to COVID-19 after US$24 million grant given by the EU

People in Fiji can expect enhanced health support in response to COVID-19.

This comes after the European Union today gave US$24 million for their contribution agreement with the World Health Organization, UN World Food Programme and the Pacific Community.

While speaking at the signing ceremony, EU Ambassador to the Pacific, Sujiro Seam says the agreement will serve to strengthen the health systems of the Pacific Islands to allow them not only to face the challenges of COVID-19 but any medical challenges they encounter.

Under the agreement, the EU will contribute US $24 million to support Fiji, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 including gender and human rights, with WHO co-financing the action with over US $500,000.

Seam says this is part of the growing support of the EU.

WHO’s Representative for the South Pacific, Dr Corine Capuano says this assistance will fill some gaps they have had into the Phase 2 COVID-19 Pacific Preparedness and Response Plan.