The United States has announced an additional USD 2 million in urgent COVID-19 assistance to the Maldives. The decision was announced during a meeting with State Minister of Health, Dr. Shah Mahir.
The funds will be provided through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). They will support the Health Ministry's plans to purchase essential commodities, strengthen laboratory capacity, and further mitigate COVID-19 transmission, morbidity, and mortality.
As per USAID, this project will support the Ministry of Health to analyze COVID-19 vaccine data for decision-making, refurbish smaller island health facilities to treat patients, address vaccine hesitancy issues among Maldivians, and purchase essential commodities and consumables related to COVID-19 management. The Ministry of Health will also use this assistance to improve the oxygen ecosystem, strengthen national laboratory capacity, conduct mental health and resilience training for health care workers, and support telemedicine to provide expert consultation for COVID-19 management in island facilities.
Since the pandemic first broke out in March 2020, USAID has provided more than $7 million in COVID-19 assistance, plus an in-kind donation of 60 ventilators, to the Maldives.
