Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta has announced further support for Fiji, including funding support for nursing staff and
100,000 doses of vaccines due to arrive in country today.
“Our thoughts remain with Fiji during this incredibly challenging period,” Nanaia Mahuta said.
“New Zealand has funded 100,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine directly from the Spanish government in order to meet
Fiji’s immediate vaccine requirements. The vaccines will arrive in Fiji later today.
“AstraZeneca is Fiji’s vaccine of choice and these doses will further support the excellent work Fiji is doing in
vaccinating its population.”
“Earlier this year New Zealand committed to providing up to 500,000 doses of vaccine to support Fiji’s rollout. Fiji’s
vaccination programme is progressing well with 25% now fully vaccinated, and first doses provided to 82% of the
population. Our commitment stands and New Zealand will continue to work with Fiji to confirm its remaining vaccine
requirements,” said Nanaia Mahuta.
New Zealand is also funding the recruitment of 190 Fiji graduate nurses, for a three month period, to provide surge
capacity across the health system including at Fiji’s isolation facilities.
“The recruitment of these nurses not only supports Fiji’s response in the short term, but also contributes to the
long-term resilience of the health sector,” Nanaia Mahuta said.
Aotearoa has also responded to a range of other requests from the Fiji Government and civil society.
“In the last two weeks New Zealand has supported the provision and retrofitting of ambulances and medical equipment,
provided funding support to civil society partners and begun delivering 700,000 testing swabs and privacy screens for
medical facilities,” said Nanaia Mahuta.
These initiatives build on previous packages of support New Zealand has provided Fiji to enable its COVID-19 response,
including $40 million of financial assistance, PPE, testing equipment and other relief supplies. New Zealand has also
deployed two rotations of medical personnel to the joint Australia New Zealand Medical Assistance Team providing surge
clinical, logistical and public health support for the Fiji health system.
“We remain in close contact with the Government of Fiji and civil society partners to support further requests,” Nanaia
Mahuta said.