India sends measles vaccines, medical supplies to Maldives amid rising cases

Male: India dispatched 20,000 doses of measles vaccines and around three tonnes of medical supplies to the Maldives to help address rising measles cases and strengthen immunisation coverage in the island nation.

The Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a social media post on Thursday, expressed appreciation for the "timely assistance", saying it reflected the close cooperation between the two countries.

India has dispatched a consignment of 20,000 doses of measles vaccines and approximately 3 tonnes of medical supplies to support the Maldives, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release in New Delhi on Thursday.


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The Maldives Ministry of Health said in a post on X that it "deeply appreciated" India's continued and reliable partnership in safeguarding public health.

The consignment was handed over at an official ceremony attended by the Maldives Minister of Health, Family and Welfare, Geela Ali.

The assistance was in keeping with its role as a "trusted first responder" in the region, with the Maldives holding "a special place in New Delhi's Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR," which is Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, the press statement said.

Earlier in the day, Indian High Commissioner G Balasubramanian met State Pharma Managing Director Shah Mahir to discuss areas of mutual interest towards further strengthening bilateral health cooperation.