SUVA, U.S. Embassy in Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu -- The United States Chargé d’Affaires Tony Greubel donated over FJ$510,000 (US$ 252,864) worth of locally-sourced COVID-19 relief supplies to the Government of Fiji at the Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services building for the Ministry of Health.

CDA Greubel said, “Fiji’s management and containment of COVID-19 has been and continues to be impressive. It is an honor to contribute to your effective management of the pandemic. I am pleased to donate locally-purchased equipment and supplies to support local businesses hit hard by this pandemic. The United States is happy to support the medical and security professionals keeping Fijians safe.”

The donation consists of personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies including over 5,536 liters of Paradise Beverage manufactured hand sanitizer, 3,560 boxes of sanitizing wipes, 34,860 face masks, 2,015 surgical gowns, and 201,500 pairs of latex gloves. The donation also included 75 portable generators and 37 iPad Minis.

These supplies will assist the Ministry of Health and the disciplined forces with setting up fever clinics and forward operating bases. All items were purchased locally to maximize the economic benefit to Fijian businesses. The donation was funded by the United States Indo-Pacific Com-mand’s Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid (OHDACA) program to help stop the spread of COVID-19.