Japan provides medical assistance worth MVR 14M to support Maldives' COVID response

Japan, in collaboration with UNICEF Maldives, has has provided medical assistance worth USD 950,000 (MVR 14 million) to support Maldives’ COVID-19 response efforts. 

The assistance was handed over by UNICEF Resident Representative Marjan Montazemi and Japanese Ambassador Keiko Yanai to Maldivian Health Minister Ahmed Naseem in a ceremony at the Health Ministry headquarters in Male’ on Wednesday afternoon. 

The equipment donated by Japan included freeze-free vaccine carriers, freezer needed to maintain cold storage, temperature gauges, IT equipment and PPE kits. 

Technical expertise will also be provided under the project. 

Health Ministry said the medical assistance provided by Japan was needed to address capacity gaps in the health system needed for the COVID-19 response, as well to strengthen the national immunization program and cold chain management. 

Health Minister Naseem thanked Japan and UNICEF for their continued support to Maldives.