24-year-old passes away after contracting measles
Concerns are mounting over a shortage of measles testing kits in the Maldives as cases surge to 121, following the tragic death of a young person from the disease. In response to the growing outbreak, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and the government have launched an emergency vaccination campaign to curb the spread of the virus.
The young man passed away while undergoing treatment at Hulhumalé Hospital. | Hulhumale hospital
A young person has passed away in the Maldives after contracting measles.
A reliable source has confirmed that 24-year-old Ibrahim Dhiyaash Rasheed passed away on Monday while undergoing treatment for measles. The young man, a native of Gaafu Dhaalu Fiyoaree, died during the early hours of the day.
The young man was being treated at Hulhumalé Hospital.
Public concern is mounting over allegations that the Ministry of Health and the Health Protection Agency (HPA) are concealing the true severity of the measles situation in the Maldives. During the People’s Majlis session on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, Health Minister Geela Ali evaded direct questions regarding reports that the country has run out of essential testing kits for measles amid the ongoing outbreak, declining to provide a definitive answer to the parliament.
According to the latest statistics released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), 121 cases of measles were recorded as of last Tuesday. Pediatric specialist Dr. Ahmed Faisal noted that the Maldives is now among the countries in the Asian region where the disease is spreading most rapidly.
The Maldives was officially certified as a measles-free country by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2017. However, following the emergence of several cases in 2023, the disease resurfaced early last month, with the number of infections continuing to rise. In response to the outbreak, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) launched a specialized vaccination campaign in June.
