In an effort to support hospitals in the fight against COVID-19, New Zealand has provided 40 more airvos plus six months supply of consumables to the Ministry of Health this week.
These machines are in addition to 80 airvo machines and consumables that New Zealand donated last year, and the additional consumables provided earlier in May.
An airvo is a humidifier with integrated flow generator that delivers warmed and humidified respiratory gases to spontaneously breathing patients.
New Zealand manufactured Fisher & Paykel Healthcare AIRVO 2 hiflow oxygen machines is a game changer in treating COVID-19 and respiratory illness around the world.
New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji Jonathan Curr says equipping hospitals in Fiji with this world leading technology will help build the capacity of divisional hospitals in treating COVID-19 patients across all age groups.
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 also provided a $60 million budget package support to Fiji’s response to the pandemic.
Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor James Fong had earlier stated that COVID safe behaviour is absolutely necessary to ensure we do not have continued escalation of cases and many more severe cases.
While speaking on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan, Doctor Fong says they may have access to other airvos however if severe cases escalate, they will have limited capacity.
You can watch the full Straight Talk interview on our website and facebook page, fijivillage.
