Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services has stated information has been collected on over 18,000 elderly citizens of the Maldives, as part of the efforts to identify high-risk individuals amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Assistant Director at the gender ministry Aishath Nasooha said the ministry has been collecting information on elderly citizens across the country, in collaboration with relevant authorities. She said information has been collected on 18,817 people, adding the ministry is currently in efforts to verify the information.
The gender ministry is collecting information on elderly citizens to facilitate timely assistance for them as they are under a high-risk situation during a community spread of COVID-19. As such, the ministry is working on providing medicine and other essential items for elderly citizens, as well as providing psychosocial support and awareness.
The gender ministry has requested the public to share information on any elderly citizens living alone or in need of assistance, through the hotline established by the ministry.