Kiribati receives COVID-19 testing equipment

Kiribati will be better able to detect and prevent the spread of COVID-19, with the arrival of new laboratory testing supplies this month.

A report from the Australian High Commission said Kiribati and 11 other Pacific island countries will receive GeneXpert testing equipment provided by the World Health Organistion. The GeneXpert testing system allows samples to be tested in-country, and provides reliable results within 45 minutes.

Further batches of supplies will be sent to Kiribati in the coming weeks.

Australia and New Zealand have each contributed AUD$1 million (US$644,000) and the Pacific Community and the Pacific Islands Health Officer’s Association have each contributed US$500,000 to WHO to procure the testing equipment.

Meanwhile, Minister for Health and Medical Services has thanked China particularly Guandong Province for donating medical supplies to Kiribati on Friday.

Tauanei Marea said the donation displays true and genuine friendship and partnership between Kiribati and China.

Marea said the items will be utilised by the ministry of health as well as other ministries who are working very hard to safeguard Kiribati and its people from Covid-19.

The medical supplies included facial masks, personal protective equipment (PPEs), medical goggles, surgical gloves and infrared thermometers.