Following a measles outbreak, Health Minister Abdulla Ameen has vowed to administer vaccinations “even if the parents refuse.”
The minister made the statement at a press conference held on Monday, revealing that the Health Protection Agency (HPA) will begin actively begin the work at the areas where measles cases have been reported on Monday evening.
Ameen also appealed to the public to administer the required vaccinations. Further highlighting the importance of getting vaccinated, the minister said that the ministry will launch a three-month long vaccination drive.
He added that the ministry is working on a plan, with the relevant bodies, to determine the resurfacing of the disease in the country; The World Health Organization (WHO) publicly declared the elimination of measles from the Maldives during June 2017.
Minister Ameen revealed that awareness programmes are to be conducted as well, as measles is one of the most rapidly communicable diseases and was eradicated from the country.
Also at the press conference, the health minister assured to take action against schools that are knowingly giving admission to students that have not been vaccinated.
Noting that this has been brought to the ministry’s attention, Ameen said that this is mostly noticed in private schools.
He said that while the matter is being probed, the ministry will ensure that all schools are giving admissions to students that have been administered the required vaccines.
Dr. Ahmed Faisal, a pediatrician, recently blasted a school in southernmost Addu City for doing so, which led to concern from the education minister. Dr. Aishath Ali’s concern was over an official from the health sector speaking on such a matter publicly, and asked Dr. Faisal to share the details of the case with the ministry.
While there are two confirmed cases of measles and additional suspected cases, over 60 individuals have been tested for the disease.
The Maldives began vaccination services during 1976, having introduced vaccines for measles during 1983. The last patient to have tested positive to measles was treated during 2009.
