Maldives introduces injectable Inactivated Polio Vaccine

Maldives has introduced the injectable Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) into its routine immunisation schedule, in a move to accelerate global eradication of polio.

The universal introduction of IPV is part of a global plan to eradicate polio and secure recent gains towards a polio-free world through stronger immunisation systems, a World health Organisation (WHO) statement explained.

“WHO and UNICEF have supported the Government of the Maldives to become the second country in South-East Asia to introduce IPV,” the statement read.

“The introduction of IPV to the routine immunisation schedule is a vital step in the journey to securing a polio-free world for all future generations to come,” Dr Akjemal Magtymova, WHO Representative to Maldives had said.

Maldives has been polio-free since 1981 with no indigenous cases detected since then. IPV introduction is the latest step by Maldives in its tremendous progress in improving child health and survival in the last decades, according to WHO.