The development partners include UNICEF, WHO, the Governments of Australia, Japan, and New Zealand, and The Pacific Community (SPC).
They provided 6,000 antigen detection rapid diagnostic test (Ag-RDT) kits: 5,000 Gene Xpert cartridges and 5,000 swabs for PCR testing; 15,000 Viral Transport Media (VTM) and swabs to allow Covid-19 tests to be transported to the testing laboratory.
Other items are therapeutics to treat Covid-19 cases; five AIRVO high flow oxygen machines for Port Vila Central Hospital; 60 Oxygen Concentrators; and additional PPE (personal protection equipment) for frontline workers.
Acting Director of Public Health, Dr. Jenny Stephen said, “Strong partnerships with the Ministry’s development partners are vital in Vanuatu’s Covid-19 preparedness and response efforts, including Covid-19 vaccination.”
Dr. Stephen further added, “Ongoing support from development partners is key to helping the Ministry and other frontline agencies keep Vanuatu communities protected from Covid-19 and ensuring that all eligible target populations are reached with vaccines.”
Photo supplied Caption: Minister of Health Silas Bule (centre) with representatives of health development partners during the handing over ceremony in Port Vila.