Dr. Arvind Mathur, the Resident Representative of the World Health Organization to the Maldives paid a farewell call on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Monday.

During his call on the president, he was thanked for the exemplary service he provided during his tenure, specifically throughout the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Expressing gratitude for the assistance WHO extended to the island nation in order to boost efforts to curb the spread of the fatal infection, the president noted that vulnerabilities of small island states have been put into the spotlight by the crisis.

Acknowledging the guidance WHO provided to Maldives’ Covid-19 recovery efforts, Solih stated that said efforts were “greatly enhanced” by the Resident Representative’s “hard work” and “leadership”.

Mathur applauded the government of Maldives for its diligence in responding to the pandemic in close coordination with health professionals and for efforts to progress healthcare in the island nation within the past two years.

Further, he shed light on the government’s prioritization on investing in public health, primary healthcare and mental-health, which includes the facilitation of HVP Vaccines to prevent cervical cancer and efforts to enhance the accessibility of healthcare, across the nation.

Noting the country’s success story in eradicating Rubella this year, Mathur stated that it is an achievement that the government of Maldives has been successful in maintaining these wider public health gains during a time of crisis.

The WHO Resident Representative went on to commend the Maldives’ quick and effective decision-making as part of the efforts to contain the virus.

During the farewell call, Solih expressed hope that Maldives can count on WHO’s support in overcoming challenges posed by the health emergency, including the procurement and storage of vaccines once they are made available globally.

In addition, Mathur also welcomed the government’s decision to join the COVAX Facility and reaffirmed that the organization will do its best to support Maldives, in acquiring vaccination.

Expressing gratitude for Mathur’s invaluable contributions during his tenure as WHO Resident Representative to Maldives, the president offered well wishes for Mathur’s future endeavors.

The Chief of Staff at the President’s Office, Ali Zahir, Secretary of Foreign Relations at the President’s Office Sabra Noordeen, Undersecretary at the President’s Office Dr. Abdul Malik and Executive Assistant at WHO Maldives Country Office Aminath Ismail were in attendance at the meeting as well.

Mathur also paid a farewell call on the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid.