The government has shared the efforts of the Maldives in the fight against COVID-19 and the challenges in fighting the pandemic with the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
The video conference session was a meeting initiated by Pakistan. Director-General of Public Health Maimoona Abubakuru, who is leading the efforts against the outbreak in the Maldives represented the country at the meeting participated by representatives from all SAARC nations.
Top health representatives from SAARC countries discussed the measures currently in place by member nations. The various challenges faced by the countries and ways of collaboration in containing COVID-19 were also discussed in the online session. Members also discussed experiences of the measures taken nationally.
Director-General Maimoona shared with members the steps taken in the Maldives, along with the current situation of the country. Maimoona said the Maldives is facing significant challenges as it depends largely on imports. Additionally, she stated the Maldives is facing extreme difficulties due to lockdowns in neighbouring countries especially in obtaining machinery, medicine, and other equipment used in fighting the pandemic. She called for assistance from member nations in importing essential goods and medical supplies.
The member nations agreed to hold such meetings in the future and conduct experience sharing sessions as all nations try to contain the spread of COVID-19.