During the COVID-19 pandemic, Maldives faced serious shortages and price fluctuations of medical supplies due to its complete dependence on imports. The supply and quality control of medical products in the market have emerged as challenges for sustainable socio-economic development in the country. To address the adverse impacts of the pandemic, UNDP Maldives is supporting the Government of Maldives with support from the People’s Republic of China to strengthen its COVID-19 preparedness, response, and recovery capacities. In collaboration with UNDP in China, UNDP Maldives initiated this project, providing PPE and life-saving equipment along with training for healthcare institutions across the country.

The post-COVID care equipment currently being provided is part of the ongoing efforts of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and China to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative is supported by the 'CHINA-UNDP Triangular Cooperation Response to COVID-19 in the Asia and Pacific Region' project, which focuses on four countries: Bangladesh, Maldives, Lao PDR, and Pakistan. In the Maldives, the project aims to enhance the country's preparedness, response, and recovery capacities by transferring technology, providing PPE, and offering emergency life-saving products. These efforts seek to support the government, medical personnel, and the public in responding to the pandemic through the provision of PPE and emergency life-saving products.