Maldives receives additional 210,600 Pfizer doses from America

Maldives has received additional 210,600 doses of the Pfizer vaccine from United States of America.

The vaccines doses were donated through the COVAX Facility. Commenting on the donation, American Embassy reiterated the country’s commitment to assist in bringing an end to the COVID-19 pandemic and saving lives.

“The global efforts must continue in order to fight the virus, as the pandemic enters its third year. Unites States is partnering with more than 120 countries including Maldives, to deliver vaccines and reduce the social economic consequences of the global pandemic,” American Embassy’s Chargé d'Affaires Martin Kelly had said.

America has donated a total of 440,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine; emergency equipment valued at USD 7 million; 60 ventilators and 100,000 diagnostic tests throughout the pandemic. They have also facilitated training opportunities and services.

The country also assisted in conducting an awareness program regarding preventing COVID-19 as well provided expert assistance to the Maldivian government in the recovery of the country’s economy.

The vaccine donated by America comes at a time Maldives is battling a surge in COVID-19 cases, fueled by the new and more contagious omicron variant. On Thursday alone, HPA announced 2,499 additional cases of COVID-19, increasing confirmed cases in Maldives to 128,950.  

Maldives currently has 16,950 active cases – out of which 54 patients are being treated in hospitals.

HPA’s Epidemiologist Dr. Ibrahim Afzal said that the most important precautionary measure which can be taken during this time is to get the booster dose.

Pfizer vaccine is administered as the booster dose in the Maldives for individuals who are above the age of 18.

Over 62,000 people have received their booster dose as of present.