Maldives is among the top 10 countries in COVID-19 vaccination, according to statistics by Our World In Data (OWID).
OWID is a UK-based scientific online publication that focuses on large global problems, with a research team at the University of Oxford.
The cumulative numbers of COVID-19 vaccinations per 100 people show that three countries currently lead vaccination drives worldwide; Israel (82 per 100 people), Seychelles (62 per 100 people), and United Arab Emirates (56 in 100 people) at the top.
Seven countries come next in the 10 to 30 per 100 people band; UK, USA, Bahrain, Chile, Malta, Maldives, and Serbia respectively.
According to the statistics provided on the website, by February 20, 2021, 12 in every 100 people in the Maldives have been vaccinated.
Maldives started a nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive on February 1, 2020, administering the CoviShield vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII), based on the formula by Oxford-AstraZeneca.
According to Maldives' public health directorate Health Protection Agency (HPA), more than 75,000 people have been inoculated with their first vaccine dose throughout the country, in a total of 79 vaccine centers. Vaccination drives are on-going for foreign and local staff at tourist establishments, including resorts.
The government of Maldives has pledged vaccination free-of-charge for all Maldivian citizens and foreign nationals living in the country.
