Beloved citizens of the Maldives;
With the Grace of Almighty Allah, we are ever more hopeful today for an end to the difficulties posed by Covid-19 in the past 10 months.
Today, the Maldives will receive its first shipment of the Covid-19 vaccine. For that, I am humbly thankful to Almighty Allah.
This vaccine is a generous donation from the Government of India to the people of the Maldives. On behalf of the people and the Government of the Maldives, and in my own name, I thank the friendly people and the Government of India, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Ever since Covid-19 first emerged in the Maldives, the Government has been working closely with health experts to do all that is within our means to protect the people from this disease. The Government has been working on procuring sufficient amounts to cover all Maldivians from the time potential vaccines were being developed.
With the Grace of Almighty Allah, we can confirm that we have secured enough vaccines for the Maldives. Our goal is to provide free vaccines to all Maldivians and residents in the coming months.
The past ten months have caused great distress for the people of our country. Many have lost their jobs. Many families have lost their loved ones. Businesses had come to a halt. Mosques and schools were closed. Families were not able to see each other. Transport disruptions have caused difficulties for basic services.
Despite the hope we receive today, there is still a lot more to be done. I advise everyone to continue heeding the guidelines set by health experts. Wear your mask every time you head out and avoid mass gatherings for the time-being. Remember to maintain your distance and frequently wash your hands.
By the Grace of Almighty Allah, our country will overcome and recover from the desolations caused by Covid-19. May Almighty Allah grant us the strength to return back to a life of normalcy. Amen!