Govt spends $1.1 million on vaccines after filariasis re-emerges in Maldives

The government has spent USD 1.1 million, equivalent to about MVR 17 million, on vaccines following the re-emergence of filariasis in the Maldives, Health Minister Dr Geela Ali said on Tuesday.

Filariasis, locally known as elephantiasis, was detected in the Maldives in December 2023 after years without reported cases. The disease was first detected in HDh. Kulhudhuffushi during a screening programme conducted among expatriate workers.

Cases were subsequently identified in the Greater Malé area and other islands.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office on Tuesday, the Health Minister said 7,347 Maldivians and 8,369 expatriates were screened for the disease between December 2023 and the end of April 2024.

Of those screened, three Maldivians and 375 expatriates tested positive, she said.

Following the re-emergence of the disease, the government launched measures aimed at preventing its spread, including a vaccination programme.

According to the minister, more than 200,000 people were vaccinated between 2023 and the end of 2025. The government spent USD 1.1 million from the state budget to procure the vaccines.

Filariasis was previously not included in the medical screening required for work permits issued to expatriates entering the Maldives. Following the detection of new cases, authorities began screening people arriving from countries where filariasis is endemic.

Filariasis is transmitted through mosquitoes. In the Maldives, Culex mosquitoes, which breed in stagnant and contaminated water, can act as vectors for the disease.

Transmission occurs when an infected mosquito bites a person and transmits the parasite Wuchereria bancrofti into the body.