Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has approved the Sinopharm and Pfizer vaccine for use in the Maldives.

Speaking during a press conference at the Health Emergency Operation Center (HEOC) Deputy Director at the MFDA, Aishath Mohamed revealed that both vaccines were approved for emergency use yesterday.

She noted that the clinical studies done in various countries were taken as a reference while making a decision.

She further added that certain things were looked at while giving approval for both the vaccines. As such, to approve the Sinopharm vaccine, extensive research into various things was required while the approval for Pfizer was relatively easier since it was on the EUL list by WHO.

However, Maldives is yet to receive the Pfizer vaccine. She said that their hope is for the Maldives to receive the Pfizer vaccine through the Covax Facility at the soonest.