Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen has stated the spread of COVID-19 must be fought with unity and close cooperation amongst all countries. The minister made the statement while taking part in an emergency virtual meeting of the Steering Ministerial Committee on Health of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Speaking at the virtual meeting, Minister Ameen outlined the mechanisms and Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) which have been developed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the Maldives. In this regard, he noted the establishment of the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), the Health Emergency Coordination Committee and a technical advisory group to lead the nationwide efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19.
The health minister noted Maldives had been taking measures against the spread of COVID-19 since early January, noting the risk assessment conducted in January showed that Maldives was a high-risk country for COVID-19. The minister said the Maldives had to make very difficult, but decisive interventions such as closing borders, especially as the economy and daily livelihood of the country is highly dependent on the revenue generated from tourism. He noted COVID-19 has altered the way of life as well as the mindset on health, by bringing to reality something nobody thought would happen.
Speaking further, the minister stated these are unprecedented and uncertain times, in a world reeling from the devastating socio-economic impacts of COVID-19. He added the Islamic world needs to stay focused, stick to principles and combat COVID-19 with a renewed sense of brotherhood and resolve.
The minister expressed confidence that with the sense of brotherhood and close cooperation that prevails among the Islamic countries, the Islamic world would help one another and effectively combat the spread of COVID-19 and contribute to global efforts. He reiterated the fight against COVID-19 requires unity and close cooperation amongst countries.
The virtual meeting was attended by health ministers of several member states of OIC. During the meeting, the ministers shared details of the measures imposed in their respective countries to control the spread of COVID-19, and areas that require assistance from the international community.