The government of Japan has extended an emergency grant to Maldives through UNICEF and the Maldives Red Crescent "in the fight against COVID-19."
Japanese government provided an emergency grant of USD356,400 for UNICEF and USD185,000 for Maldives Red Crescent to assist the organizations in their efforts to respond to the viral pandemic.
A press statement read the grant will be utilized for the "procurement of medical equipment and consumables, and for providing technical assistance for the installation of new communications systems in various schools for online teaching programs and tele-classes."
Maldives government expressed its appreciation and gratitude to the government and the people of Japan for the "timely assistance."
The aid will act as further 'boost' in Maldives government's efforts to curb the spread of the viral pandemic in the island nation.
The East-Asian ally is regarded as one of the most important bilateral development partner of Maldives for decades.
Japan is credited with assisting the island nation in its education, infrastructure development as well as in climate change adaptation projects which include construction of the sea-wall around Male'.
The country is also among the first nations to step forward in assisting Maldives in the immediate aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
