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Maldives on USA's priority list for vaccine donations

Lamya Abdulla
04 June 2021, MVT 07:56
US President Joe Biden gestures as he speaks on the anniversary of the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC on March 11, 2021. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP)
Lamya Abdulla
04 June 2021, MVT 07:56

Maldives among the first countries to receive COVID-19 vaccines from United States of America, Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid reveals on Thursday.

"I thank the Government of US and Secretary Anthony Blinken for this essential aid, at this critical juncture," Minister Shahid tweeted acknowledging that USA prioritizing Maldives as a testament to the connection the two countries have.

USA announced that they plan to donate seven million vaccine doses to the Asian area. In addition to Maldives, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Malaysia will be the recipients of these donations.

President of USA Joe Biden had announced earlier on Thursday that they plan to donate 80 million COVID-19 vaccine doses globally. The framework for how the vaccines will be donated was announced in addition to details regarding the the first 25 million doses that would be donated. According to the framework, 75 percent of the vaccines will be donated through World Health Organisation's (WHO) COVAX facility.

The remaining 25 percent would be given to the countries that are in dire need vaccines. White House of USA had said numerous countries had requested for vaccine donations.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih thanking USA for donating vaccines to Maldives

President of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has thanked Joe Biden for their donation today.

"I convey the gratitude of the Maldivian people to President Joe Biden and the American people for including Maldives in the new US global COVID vaccine sharing program," Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said.

USA had also announced earlier on Thursday they were donating essential medical supplies to South Asian countries. US Agency for International Development (USAID), the one carrying out this project, had said that they were currently working to send medical equipment to Sri Lanka, Maldives and Pakistan via air.

Maldives will receive 600 pulse oximeter and 292,000 PPE kits.

A special ceremony will be held on Friday in Maldives to handover these supplies.

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