Date, Time, Venue: Tuesday, 06 June 2023 11:00 – 12:00 Maldives Time, Ministry of Health

His Excellency, Ahmed Naseem, Minister for Health

Her Excellency, Wang Lixin, People's Republic of China ‘s Ambassador to the Maldives 

Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

Representatives from the receiving hospitals 

Colleagues from Ministry of Health and UNDP 

Assalaam Alaikum. A very good morning to you all. 

Today, we gather here to celebrate a remarkable collaboration: to fortify a resilient and sustainable healthcare system in the Maldives and witness the country’s efforts towards Universal Health Coverage and Pandemic Preparedness and response. 

In the face of global health crises as witnessed during COVID-19, the importance of international cooperation and solidarity became evident. South-South and Triangular Cooperation can be a powerful tool to help accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals.

The China-UNDP project in service of the Maldives embodies the spirit of such collaboration and unity in addressing the challenges imposed by the pandemic. 

The project’s objectives are clear: to safeguard the well-being of the people, and to improve the country's capacity to handle similar crises. 

Through the transfer of technology, trainings and the donation of essential equipment and other resources, this project aspires to:

1. Strengthen Maldives' healthcare systems, and capacities, 
2. Promote safe and efficient healthcare practices,
3. Ensure health and well-being for all. 

We are pleased and proud to see the progress made under this project, thanks to the joint efforts of stakeholders from Maldives and China.  Lifesaving medical equipment and personal protective items were generously donated to the Ministry of Health and distributed to front line health care workers, many of whom are women working outside the capital city of Male.

Over 4000 pairs of gloves, 16 Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s), and 10 neonatal ventilators to be placed in 10 atoll hospitals across the country, have been generously donated to the Ministry of Health. These lifesaving supplies and PPE will be distributed to frontline healthcare workers outside the capital city of Male'.

But it doesn't stop there. This project goes beyond the provision of equipment, it includes comprehensive on-site training for healthcare professionals, ensuring that they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively utilize the equipment that will enable them to save lives. 

Therefore, today, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to all partners who made this happen: 

To the Ministry of Health for their unwavering commitment to strengthen national and regional capacity for pandemic preparedness and response in Maldives. Your dedication is commendable, and it is the driving force behind the success of this project, and other joint projects that we are venturing into together.

I would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the continued partnership we enjoy. Your support has been instrumental in fostering international collaboration and coordination, fostering the platform for progress and exchange. 

Finally, our sincere gratitude goes out to the Government of the People's Republic of China. I would like to express our sincere thanks to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the Chinese Embassy in Maldives for your valuable support to strengthen COVID-19 preparedness, response, and recovery in the country. Through this joint initiative, we have made a positive contribution to the lives of the people of Maldives. 

We all stand here as as a testament to the power of south-south cooperation and collaboration in the face of adversity. Together, we join hands in partnership to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and safeguard the health and well-being for all.

On behalf of UNDP Maldives, I Thank you again for your leadership, commitment, and unwavering support.

Shukriya.