The Government of India has donated 30,000 vaccines to assist the ongoing efforts to prevent, detect and contain measles in Maldives.
Ministry of Health stated the vaccines will support the ongoing supplementary MR vaccination programme for children and priority groups. The donation was handed over by Ambassador of India to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir to Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen at a ceremony held at Ministry of Health.
Addressing the ceremony, Minister Ameen appreciated the swift response from India to the request made by Maldives, noting the vaccines were received within 72 hours of the request. The health minister said while a supplementary dose of the vaccine is being given to children, all arrangements can be made without any difficulties after the vaccines are provided by India. He also emphasised the assistance signifies the close relationship between the two countries and shows the importance given by India to strengthen the health sector of Maldives.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Sudhir assured India's assistance in all cases, especially in emergency situations. He noted India has so far assisted Maldives in all situations as a close neighbour and partner.
So far, 3,363 individuals have been vaccinated while 6 patients were found positive for measles.