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India has sent a consignment of 20,000 measles vaccine doses and about 3 tonnes of medical supplies to neighboring Maldives to help strengthen public health security. This assistance has been given amid increasing measles cases in Maldives. The Foreign Ministry gave this information.

According to the statement issued, the Government of India believes that this timely assistance will play an important role in strengthening the vaccination campaign of the Government of Maldives and in dealing with the increasing cases of measles. Additionally, this will also strengthen the health response capacity of the country.

It further said that this assistance has been sent with the aim of solving the growing health challenges in Maldives and ensuring the safety of the people there. India expressed confidence that this cooperation will help prevent the spread of the disease and increase vaccination coverage.

India reiterated that Maldives holds special importance under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘Vision Ocean’. The historical, cultural and strategic ties between the two countries have been strong for a long time.

Describing itself as a reliable “first responder”, India said it is committed to standing with its neighboring countries in times of crisis or need. In this spirit, India will continue to work together with the Government of Maldives on shared priorities.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) of Maldives had informed about the re-emergence of measles in Maldives on 13 May. Health officials then began an investigation to determine the source and possible spread of the infection.

To combat measles, HPA launched a vaccination campaign. After four new cases were reported last week, the total number of infected people recorded this year has increased to 15.

In recent years India has provided assistance to the Maldives in a number of areas including health, education, infrastructure and disaster relief.