Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has approved the use of Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine in the Maldives.
The Sputnik V vaccine has been approved for restricted use in emergency situations for individuals over the age of 18. MFDA stated it has completed the necessary technical procedures and documentations and approved the vaccine after discussions with the national pharmaceutical board.
The Sputnik V vaccine was developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology and has been approved for emergency use in 66 countries. MFDA stated it has completed the procedures to keep the vaccine at the required temperature of minus 18 degrees and will be working with the Ministry of Health and Health Protection Agency (HPA) to determine if there are any side effects from the vaccine.
The Maldives began administering COVID-19 vaccines in February. Currently, MFDA has permitted the use of four vaccines, which are Covishield, Sinopharm, Pfizer and Sputnik V.