Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has urged not to spread misinformation regarding COVID-19 vaccines.
Speaking at a programme aired on PSM News, Dr. Mohamed Ali from the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) of HEOC warned a lot of different information will get circulated in the social media when COVID-19 vaccination begins next year. He underlined the importance of verifying the validity of the information before sharing it on social media.
Speaking at the same programme, Spokesperson of HEOC Dr. Fathimath Nazla Rafeeq noted vaccination is the most effective method to eliminate the risk of communicable diseases. Noting most of the diseases eliminated in the Maldives were eliminated through vaccination, Dr. Nazla said it is important that the public recognises the value and importance of vaccination. She said HEOC will provide truthful information to the public regarding the incoming COVID-19 vaccines, including its benefits as well as the risks involved.
The government has decided to begin COVID-19 vaccination in the Maldives in the first quarter of next year. Maldives will receive free COVID-19 vaccines for 20% of the population through the COVAX Facility, established to guarantee fair and equitable access to the vaccine for every country in the world.