Central cold chain facility breaks ground under ADB project

The Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the Central Cold Chain Facility to be developed under the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded Responsive COVID-19 Vaccination for Recovery Project (APVAX).

The ceremony was officiated by Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali.

Speaking at the event, the minister described the project as “an important long-term investment in the safety, operation and sustainability of Maldives’ health system.”

The facility will strengthen the country’s vaccine management system and create a dedicated arrangement for the safe storage of vaccines, medicines, medical supplies and other temperature‑sensitive health commodities. It is expected to enhance the health delivery system, expand public‑health service capacity and improve readiness for future public‑health emergencies.

Today, we marked the groundbreaking of the Central Cold Chain Facility in Hulhumalé—a major investment in strengthening the Maldives’ health infrastructure.

Supported by the Asian Development Bank under APVAX, this facility will significantly expand our capacity to safely store… pic.twitter.com/Lm0Tp2PRry

— Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare (@MoHmv) September 3, 2026

The building will also house the Health Protection Agency (HPA) as its administrative office, and bring several critical public‑health services under one roof, including the Mental Health Department, regulatory boards and councils, and other key technical divisions of the ministry.

With the establishment of this facility, the ministry will gain dedicated storage space for medicines, vaccines, medical equipment and devices, reducing reliance on rented premises. The ministry noted that the project will strengthen operations and reduce long‑term costs.