Suva, Fiji | Three new machines for the testing of COVID-19 were installed in Fiji this month, marking another significant boost in laboratory capacity for the country.
These machines enable 16 instead of four tests to be run at once, allowing for up to 1000 additional tests per day. While these machines are currently being used to test for COVID-19, in the longer term they can also support testing for a range of other diseases, such as influenza, tuberculosis and HIV.
The machines were procured by the World Health Organization (WHO) with funding support from the European Union (EU).
“As a longstanding partner of the Pacific, the European Union stands with Fiji against the second wave of COVID-19. Enhancing Fiji’s testing capacity is a priority and the European Union is proud to join forces with WHO and other partners in strengthening health systems in the region. The EUR 22 Million mobilized to that effect helps increase the capacity of the Pacific island countries to face the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ambassador and Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation for the Pacific, His Excellency Sujiro Seam.
“The EU has been with us from the very early days of the COVID-19 response, standing alongside WHO and the countries of the Pacific to rapidly scale up the capacities required to detect the spread of the disease and save lives. The EU not only contributes funding but their time and expertise through their participation in the Joint Incident Management Team. We commend the EU for their collaborative approach and their willingness to work with us to direct resources where they are most needed,” said Dr Akeem Ali, acting Director of WHO’s Division of Pacific Technical Support.
The EU’s partnership with WHO supports a range of COVID-19 preparedness and response measures across the Pacific. For example, to increase readiness and strengthen countries’ ability to test, detect and monitor for COVID-19 presence, WHO has procured 150 000 testing cartridges. The procurement of additional personal protective equipment and testing cartridges is also underway. WHO is also working with the EU to support broader health system strengthening efforts so that people everywhere, across the Pacific, can access essential health services.