The New Zealand Government handed over 40 Fisher & Paykel Healthcare AIRVO 2 hi-flow oxygen machines and six months’ supply of consumables to Fiji’s Ministry of Health to support hospital preparedness in the fight against COVID-19.
NZ High Commissioner to Fiji Jonathan Curr said: “Equipping Fiji hospitals with this world-leading technology will help build the capacity of divisional hospitals in treating COVID-19 patients across all age groups.”
These machines are in addition to 80 airvo machines and consumables New Zealand donated last year, and the additional consumables provided earlier in May.
The main function of the AIRVO 2 is to improve patient’s breathing efficiency, through the provision of oxygen-rich gas. These devices are receiving global acclaim for their success in treating patients with COVID-19, often removing the need for more aggressive ventilation. The oxygen machine also drastically improves recovery times for other acute respiratory illnesses such as dengue and leptospirosis.
The New Zealand Government has been working alongside the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in strengthening the capacity of Fiji’s health service by providing supplies, equipment, funding, and sharing knowledge.
Jointly New Zealand and Australia have deployed a Medical Assistance Team to assist Fiji’s Health Ministry in providing immediate support for health system management and infection prevention control. Other areas of support include procuring a RT-PCR testing machine and necessary consumables for Fiji Centre of Disease Control to expand its testing capacity. Filters for ventilators and 15 tonnes of medical PPE were also shipped from New Zealand to help maintain health services. The New Zealand Government has also provided a FJ$60million budget package support to Fiji’s response to the pandemic, with a focus on promoting a sustainable and inclusive recovery that assists the most vulnerable.
As whanaunga, Aotearoa New Zealand continues to stand with Fiji during these challenging times, Curr said.
Photo: File Photo
