Major (Dr) Gough Here to Help
Vaccination doesn’t just reduce the risk of people becoming severely ill with COVID, it helps to protect Fiji’s health system.
These were the words of Major (Doctor) Naomi Gough, who is one of the Kiwis in the Medical Assistance Team.
This New Zealand Army medical doctor was deployed here as part of the Australian-led Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) providing support to health authorities following a surge in cases of COVID-19 in Fiji.
Her career as a public health physician includes leadership roles in communicable disease control and incident control for outbreaks. She has also worked in the NZ
Ministry of Health on COVID response.
Dr Naomi will remain in Suva until the end of July to continue to provide public health advice, working alongside the Incident Management Team at the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services in Suva.In a Q&A with the Fiji Sun, Major (Dr) Gough spoke of her first time experience in Fiji and in assisting our Ministry of Health and Medical Services team.
1. Could you speak of your career and experience in communicable disease control?
I am a public health physician, so all my experience in communicable disease control is about managing diseases in communities. I have been involved in many outbreaks over the years, in different roles and in different countries.
2. How has working with the Fijian team from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services been so far?
The team at the ministry is diligent, professional and knowledgeable. It is privilege to work alongside them.
3. What recommendations have you provided to the Fijian authorities?
I provide support to the public health authorities in areas they seek assistance in.
4. What are the areas of improvement that could be taken while dealing with COVID-19 situations?
As Fiji switches to mitigation, there comes a shift to focus on ensuring health services can look after those most in need. The authorities are working very hard on this.
5. In your opinion, what are with people’s health if vaccinated?
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6. New Zealand has done a great job in dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak, especially dealing with the Delta variant. Do you think Fiji could possibly take some similar steps? If yes, what could they be?
While it can be helpful to reflect on different approaches, applying them here won’t necessarily get the same result, because each country has its own unique circumstances: culture, connectivity, economics, and health systems. Fiji’s response has to fit with Fiji, and so it’s important to listen to the expertise here.
7. What advice would you give to people who refuse or are reluctant to get vaccinated?
The risks of getting COVID and getting severely unwell are much higher if people are not vaccinated.
If people are concerned about their health, getting vaccinated is one of the best things they can do to look after themselves. It’s okay to want to have more information and there are many ways to learn more about the vaccine, including Ministry of Health website, your healthcare team and the vaccination team.
8. What are some new strategies you have recommended to the Health Ministry?
I am here to support the health authorities in developing and implementing their own strategies, in particular assisting with the mitigation response.
9. How do you think the Fijian authorities have done so far in dealing with COVID-19?
Fiji has a unique set of challenges in dealing with COVID. I have been impressed with the co-ordination, the knowledge and expertise. All health systems in the world have been challenged by COVID.
10. How has your experience in Fiji been so far? Is this your first visit to Fiji?
This is my first time to Fiji. The people are very friendly and kind. It is very humbling to be asked to come and assist.