COVID-19 vaccination has commenced in the Maldives.
Vaccination began in the Maldives with the 100,000 doses of Covishield vaccine, which was granted by India last month. The Covishield vaccine, which is manufactured by the Serum Institute of India based on the research of Oxford University/AstraZeneca, was authorised for restricted emergency use in the Maldives by the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) on January 28.
The first person to receive the vaccine in the Maldives was Dr. Shiraany Abdul Rahman, who was the longest serving in-charge of the Hulhumale’ Medical Facility. During the first day of the national vaccination programme, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed, Chief Justice Muthasim Adnan and several cabinet ministers and parliamentarians also took their first dose of the Covishield vaccine.
Health Protection Agency (HPA) had earlier revealed vaccination will commence in Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), Hulhumale’ Hospital, Villimale’ Hospital, ADK Hospital, Senahiya Hospital, Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital and Addu Equatorial Hospital. HPA said frontline healthcare workers will be prioritised during the first round of vaccination.
HPA has urged the public to get vaccinated and make sure the required dosage is completed. Noting several communicable diseases such as polio, neonatal tetanus, measles and whooping cough have been eliminated in the Maldives through vaccination, HPA has asked for public support and cooperation in order to strengthen the defence of the country against communicable diseases.