COVID-19

Australia to send team to assist in COVID-19 battle

June 19, 2021 6:51 am

[Source: John Feakes/Twitter]

The Australian government has responded to Fiji’s plea for help in containing the spread of COVID-19 cases.

This will see Australia deploy an Australian Medical Assistance Team to assist Fiji’s response.

The Australian government says this is part of their continued commitment to stand with their Fijian vuvale and this deployment responds to a request from the Government of Fiji.

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A statement from the Australian government goes on to say that the multi-disciplinary AUSMAT team will include members from Australia and New Zealand and will deploy for an initial period of 28 days.

The team will work with the Fijian Ministry of Health and will provide immediate support for health system management and infection prevention control, as well as assessments of Fiji’s priority health needs.

Australia has also sent 1.3 tonnes of personal protective equipment, medical supplies, including 500 thermal guns for health screening teams, testing equipment and laboratory consumables since the beginning of the current outbreak in April 2021.

Australia has contributed to the Government of Fiji’s social protection measures through our COVID-19 recovery package with fiscal support of $83.5 million this year.

It says the health security of its near neighbors is a critical priority for Australia.