Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has stated administrative preparations for an incoming COVID-19 vaccine are already underway.
Speaking at a press conference, Spokesperson of HEOC Dr. Fathimath Nazla Rafeeq said global efforts to produce a COVID-19 vaccine has so far resulted in 4 vaccines which are confirmed safe. Noting the scientific data of the vaccines will be released soon, Dr. Nazla expressed hope that a vaccine will become officially available during the first quarter of next year.
The spokesperson said the Maldives has already commenced administrative preparations for the distribution of any incoming COVID-19 vaccine. As such, she 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.