Japan Commits MVR 15.9 Million To UNICEF Maldives To Support The Government’s Vaccination Efforts

It has been revealed that on Wednesday, Japan has committed MVR 15, 924, 527 to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Maldives, as an effort to support the Government’ vaccination program – specifically for the purpose of building a sustainable immunization supply chain system.

Accordingly, these funds will be used to increase the capacity of Cold Chain Equipment (CCE) for COVID-19 vaccines including dry ice-making machines, walk-in freezers and ice lined refrigerators, as well as logistical support for CCE installation; enhance the capacity of health officials as well as government staff including technicians to operate and maintain CCE and utilize and monitor CCE; and supporting government efforts to strengthen COVID-19 cold chain and vaccine management through coordination, consultation, data collection and analysis, as well as assistance with policy formulation.

Maldives is amongst the 25 countries that the Japanese government is assisting under the "Last One Mile Support". While Japan has been a longtime friend of Maldives, the country has not failed to support Maldives during these challenging times. Accordingly, the country has extended approximately USD 7.5 million since the onset of the pandemic.

UNICEF has also extended considerable assistance to the Maldives' national response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, UNICEF has supported the government with public communication and engagement around demand generation, addressing vaccine hesitancy for the COVID-19 vaccines, community mobilization and conducting training sessions for key partners, as well as strengthening immunization cold chain systems through the procurement of key equipment and provision of technical expertise.