Some Fijian Soldiers In UNAMI Test Positive For COVID-19

Several days ago members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) serving with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) were tested for COVID-19 after a soldier displayed mild symptoms of the disease.

The soldiers were tested via a COVID-19 antigen test. A handful of soldiers have since tested positive via the antigen test. It is believed that community transmission was made at one of the UN compounds entry points, through the various persons who enter for work and UN related business.

Following UN COVID-19 protocols, UNAMI medical personnel have isolated those that have tested positive and all UN personnel in Baghdad are either in managed isolation or under COVID-19 lockdown.

All affected soldiers that have tested positive via the antigen tests are currently asymptomatic. The UN medical staff, together with the Fiji contingents’ own medical team, are closely monitoring all RFMF personnel.

The UNAMI medical staff have also started testing all UN personnel in the UN compounds in Baghdad using the more comprehensive and reliable PCR test. The results of these tests have not been released as yet. RFMF Headquarters is monitoring the situation and are in constant contact with the Fiji contingent leadership.

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces appreciates the public’s support and prayers for Fiji’s troops in Iraq as they go through this difficult but manageable situation. The RFMF are asking that the public respect the privacy and dignity of the soldiers and their families.

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