The Maldives received more than 100,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses from Japan via the COVAX facility on Saturday.
A total of 11 million vaccine doses were provided to the COVAX facility by Japan, with 112,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine going to the Maldives.
During the handover ceremony, Health Minister Ahmed Naseem noted that the contribution of more vaccine doses will make the government’s objective of vaccinating the entire population much more achievable.
He also thanked the Japanese government for donating vaccines and other aid to the Maldives during the COVID-19 pandemic, including personal protective equipment and other medical supplies.
The Japanese Ambassador to the Maldives, Keiko Yanai, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the two nations’ cordial and historic connections.
She stated that the Maldives is a vital bilateral partner for Japan, and that Japan will continue to support the Maldives in its time of need.
Earlier this month, the United States delivered 128,700 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to the Maldives via the COVAX facility.
