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Aim is to provide free COVID-19 vaccines to all citizens: President

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated the government aims to provide free COVID-19 vaccines to all citizens of the Maldives.

Speaking at a public event held in Gan, Laamu Atoll, President Solih said the policy of his administration is to provide free COVID-19 vaccines to every Maldivian citizen without discrimination. He expressed hope a vaccine will arrive in the Maldives soon.

Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) had earlier revealed the Maldives has already commenced administrative preparations for the distribution of any incoming COVID-19 vaccine. Spokesperson of HEOC Dr. Fathimath Nazla Rafeeq noted a National Steering Committee has been formed to work on preparing proposals for acquisition of vaccines through the COVAX Facility and classifying vaccination groups as well as enhancing the cold chain system which is applied to store and maintain vaccines. She noted 20% of the Maldivian population will receive vaccines under donor funds through the COVAX Facility, established to guarantee fair and equitable access to the vaccine for every country in the world.

Dr. Nazla expressed hope that the vaccine will arrive in the Maldives during the first quarter of 2021. Noting the vaccines will arrive in batches and in varying amounts, Dr. Nazla said vaccination will be carried out based on the classification of vaccination groups. She said the Maldives is receiving assistance from World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and several other international organisations and development agencies in the preparations for vaccine distribution.