U.S Ambassador to Fiji Joseph Cella says their assistance of 30 ventilators provided for Fiji represents their strong commitment as Pacific neighbours, allies, and partners respond to and overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Cella visited the CWM hospital in Suva today to meet participants of a training – organised by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the Pacific Community (SPC) – that aim to help Fijian medical technicians and doctors operate the ventilators.

“I am pleased that we are providing training to make the best use of the donated ventilators. We look forward to a more prosperous and healthy future for all,” said the ambassador.

A statement from the embassy stated the ventilators, manufactured in the United States, employed lifesaving, state-of-the-art, and in-demand technology.

It is built on the U.S. government’s $24.2million investment to help Pacific island countries support risk communications, prevention and control of infectious diseases in health facilities, logistics, coordination efforts, and other activities to address this unprecedented global health crisis.

It also stated that in addition to the ventilators, USAID was also funding a tailored package of support that would include clinical training for frontline health workers on the safe use and maintenance of the ventilators.

Ventilators are highly specialised medical equipment used in intensive care units to support individuals whose lungs are not working adequately to receive oxygen.