The Government of Japan has donated 112,000 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines to the Maldives through the World Health Organisation (WHO) COVAX Facility, as part of Japan's Last One Mile Support initiative. Minister of Health Ahmed Naseem received the vaccines on behalf of the Government of the Maldives at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Naseem thanked the Government of Japan for its generous donations, not only in providing the vaccines but also in donating medical equipment, medical supplies, and other assistance given to the Maldivian people throughout the pandemic. He mentioned the donation of AstraZeneca vaccines will contribute towards the government's efforts to continue vaccination across the country and will support the goal of completing the vaccination programme for the entire eligible population.
Meanwhile, speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives Keiko Yanai highlighted the friendly and historic ties between the two countries. She said the Maldives is an important bilateral partner of Japan and reiterated its continued support to the Maldives during its times of need.
It is the fourth donation the Maldives had received through COVAX, which is a worldwide initiative aimed at equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. Earlier in August, the US donated 128,700 doses of Pfizer vaccines through COVAX, which are currently being administered in the Maldives.