A Fiji share project of about $2,980,011.75 was launched on Tuesday by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in collaboration with the French Polynesian Government and Agence Francaise de Development (ADF).
Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu said the project was focused on combating arbovirus infections in Fiji and the Pacific region.
“The Fiji SHARE Project is divided into four phases over three years,” Dr Lalabalavu said.
“Each aimed at enhancing our capabilities in diagnosis, surveillance, and research. These phases involve assessing our existing resources and skills, training Fijian personnel at the Institute Louis Malarde (ILM), transferring and implementing new techniques in Fiji, and consolidating the expertise established at the Fiji-based technical platform.
“The total cost of the project has been secured through the financing agreement between the Government of French Polynesia, AFD, and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
“French Polynesia on behalf of ILM has contributed $474,953 towards the project. AFD is contributing $685,800 towards the project, of which $291,520 will go towards the purchase of specialised laboratory testing equipment, sample transportation, and biological analyses during testing.”
Meanwhile, Dr Lalabalavu said the health ministry’s contribution of $69,888 would be in the form of salaries.
