Malé, Maldives – Maldives received the 112,000 Covid-19 vaccine doses donated by Japan earlier this morning.
The AstraZeneca vaccine shipment is part of the 11 million vaccines donated by Japan to the Covax facility. The shipment arrived in Maldives earlier today via Sri Lankan Airline.
Keiko Yanai, Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives and Minister of Health Ahmed Naseem participated in the ceremony held at the Foreign Ministry to commemorate the donation, along with senior officials of the Foreign Ministry.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Naseem thanked the Government of Japan for their generous donations, not only in providing the vaccines but also in donating medical equipment, medical supplies and other assistance given to the Maldives and the Maldivian people throughout the pandemic. He mentioned that this 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.
Her Excellency Keiko Yanai, Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives also spoke at the ceremony and highlighted the friendly and historic ties between the two countries. She mentioned that Maldives is an important bilateral partner of Japan, and reiterated its continued support to the Maldives during its times of need.
Japan has pledged to donate vaccines to 10 countries including the Maldives through the Covax facility.
