UNICEF donates over 1,400 COVID-19 test kits to Fiji

1,400 COVID-19 antigen detection rapid diagnostic test kits have been donated by UNICEF to the Ministry of Health to boost our testing capacity.

This will be able to cover 35,000 COVID-19 tests and is part of UNICEF’s ongoing support to the Fijian Government in its efforts to manage the risks associated with the virus.

The Ag-RDT tests are widely used across many countries and provide rapid results within a few minutes and works by detecting SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins using nasal swabs.

Health Minister Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete says the kits will assist the Ministry in providing timely and effective care to our communities during this wave of COVID-19.

UNICEF Pacific Representative Jonathan Veitch says the kits will enable frontline healthcare workers to test vulnerable people with a simple yet accurate test.

He says as well as good COVID-19 safety measures such as mask wearing, hand washing and physical distancing, these tests will allow early detection and adequate care to be provided to those who need it most.