WHO facilitates Government of Japan’s donation of AstraZeneca vaccine to the Maldives through COVAX

The vaccine shipment was transported to the Maldives this morning and handed over to the Minister of Health His Excellency Ahmed Naseem by the Ambassador of Japan to Maldives Her Excellency Keiko Yanai, in the presence of senior officials from WHO, UNRC, UNICEF and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

COVAX is a worldwide initiative aimed at equitable access to pandemic vaccines co-led by the World Health Organization (WHO); GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance; and, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) with UNICEF leading in logistics. In preparation for the vaccine’s arrival; WHO Maldives has led and facilitated multiple documentations including EUL support for AZ Japan donation, providing necessary guidance, trainings, risk communication, supervision and cold chain support for COVID-19 vaccine roll out in the country.

The vaccine support is expected to contribute to the Government of Maldives’ efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to save people’s lives by continuing vaccination across the country, in line with the National Vaccine Deployment Plan and in support of the Government’s goal of completing the vaccination for the entire eligible population.

WHO continues to support the Ministry of Health Maldives; providing support in various areas including lab capacity enhancement, rollout of vaccinations, capacity building, human resources, development of policies and technical guidance to strengthen the COVID-19 response in the country.