The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has varied greatly across the Pacific – some countries have experienced large-scale transmission, while others are among the few countries in the world to remain COVID-free. Yet the World Health Organization’s Division of Pacific Technical Support based in Suva, Fiji, is working to meet these varied needs alongside partners like the government of the United Kingdom (UK).
In particular, WHO and the UK are working together to ensure that countries have the medical equipment they need to diagnose and treat potential COVID-19 patients. This includes transport ventilators, portable oxygen concentrators, patient monitoring systems and portable x-ray machines sent to Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
A new portable x-ray machine in action in Fiji. Credit: Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services
WHO has also developed and provided user-friendly guides and trained medical professionals to use the equipment correctly.
"Thanks to the UK’s support, WHO has been able to send and set up this essential equipment across the Pacific. This equipment is essential and will save lives, not only during the current pandemic, but long into the future,” said Dr Akeem Ali, acting Director for WHO’s Division of Pacific Technical Support.
British High Commissioner, George Edgar said, “I’m proud that the UK has been able to support the fantastic work that WHO are doing across the region to ensure that Pacific countries are well prepared in the fight against COVID-19. At this time of need we stand by the governments and peoples of the Pacific.”
The equipment procured with UK funding is appreciated by the health professionals who are now using it in their daily work.
“I would like to thank UK and WHO for facilitating the procurement of this X-ray machine. We are now able to provide consistent services along the Tamavua-Samabula corridor in Fiji and to fulfil the needs at the Tamavua Twomey Hospital,” said Komal Sami, senior medical imaging technologist at the Tamavua Twomey Hospital in Fiji.