India Delivers 30,000 Doses Of “MR” Vaccine Within 72 Hours To Maldives

India has delivered 30,00 doses of Measles and Rubella (MR) vaccine to Maldives. Maldives Government had requested India for MR Vaccine after the outbreak of measles disease in Maldives. India responded to emergency request of Maldives and Supplied 30,000 doses of Measles and Rubella (MR) vaccine within 72 hours of the request.

Maldives wanted this MR Vaccine as soon as possible due to outbreak of Measles. First, Maldives approached the Denmark which was willing to supply it in one month’s time. After this, Maldives approached UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund) which said It will deliver in four weeks.

Four people were tested positive for Measles in last one week even though it has been eliminated from the country. Maldives Government had suspected an outbreak and requested emergency supplies of vaccine, which could not be made possible by a few international organizations.

Indian High Commission in the Maldives said, India’s swift response emphasized the mutually supportive roles of India’s neighborhood First Policy and Maldives’ India First Policy, acting for the benefit of people in both countries. It said, India has once again proved to be the first responder in times of emergency for the Maldives Government.

In 2015, India responded to the water crisis in Malé and airlifted water immediately and also sent supplies by ship, including an RO plant.

Similarly, India sent immediate assistance on 26th December 2004 when the tsunami struck the Maldives and other countries of the region. Both neighbors have also started the implementation of MoU on Health Cooperation signed during the state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2019.

What is Measles and Rubella (MR) vaccine ?

Measles is a major childhood disease and rubella leads to lifelong birth defects. Both diseases have no cure, but can be prevented by taking the Measles-Rubella vaccine.

Image Courtesy: News18