US Embassy Suva announces their government’s US$2.3 million commitment to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the Pacific

The US Embassy Suva has announced their government’s US$2.3 million commitment to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Pacific Islands region.

The United States Government, through USAID, is coordinating with the governments of 12 Pacific Island countries, including Fiji, Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Tonga, Samoa, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu and other stakeholders to identify priority areas for investment.

US Ambassador Joseph Cella says the United States partners with Pacific Island nations to bolster their ability to lead their countries to stable, prosperous futures.

He says as Pacific neighbors, allies and partners, the US Government is operating transparently and remains committed to stand by the people of the Pacific region in these challenging times.

Through this assistance, USAID will help governments prepare laboratory systems, implement infection prevention and control measures, strengthen port of entry screening, activate case-finding and event-based surveillance, and support rapid response and preparedness and more.

The US Government is leading the world’s humanitarian and health assistance response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of this comprehensive and generous US response, the State Department and USAID are providing an initial investment of nearly US$274 million in emergency health and humanitarian assistance to help countries in need.

Because an infectious-disease threat anywhere can become a threat everywhere, the United States calls on other donors to contribute to the global effort to combat COVID-19.