Head of the national vaccination programme, Dr. Fathimath Nazla Rafeeq has announced the Maldives will begin COVID-19 vaccination during the first quarter of 2021.
Speaking to media regarding the ongoing preparations to commence vaccination in the Maldives, Dr. Nazla revealed the most successful vaccine is available via the COVAX facility and the application of the Maldives has now been accepted. Dr. Nazla said the vaccine used in the Maldives will be approved by World Health Organisation (WHO) and will reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Noting the government is working to bring the vaccine to the country as soon as possible, Dr. Nazla revealed following successful efforts, the vaccine will be made available to the Maldives within the first quarter of 2021. Further, she said as part of the vaccination programme, 3% of the Maldivian population will be given the vaccine under the first phase. She added in the first phase, vaccines will be given to individuals who are prone to the virus such as teachers, frontline workers and high-risk patients.
Speaking at the press conference, Dr. Nazla Mustafa from the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) said the main purpose of vaccination is saving lives adding a priority list has also been made to ensure the benefit of the vaccine is given to all. Elaborating, she said while COVAX facility will provide vaccine free for 20% of the population, 3% from that said percentage is allocated for frontline workers. She noted the remaining 17% is allocated for people aged 50 and above and for patients seeking treatment for long term diseases.
The government has established a national steering committee to carry out the tasks related to vaccination.