La Paz: Bolivian President Luis Alberto Arce Catacora on Tuesday expressed deep gratitude to the Government of India for donating 300,000 doses of the Measles and Rubella (MR) vaccine, calling it a timely and generous act of solidarity amid Bolivia’s growing health crisis.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), President Arce wrote, “From the Plurinational State of Bolivia, we deeply thank the solidarity of the brotherly people and Government of the Republic of India for the donation of 300,000 doses of the MR vaccine against measles.”
He noted that the vaccine shipment will significantly bolster Bolivia’s nationwide immunization campaign, which is currently targeting children aged 1 to 14 in response to a measles outbreak.
Bolivia declared a National Health Emergency on June 23 following a sudden surge in measles cases across multiple regions. In a swift response, India stepped in with a consignment of MR vaccines and related medical supplies.
A ceremonial handover of the vaccine took place on Monday at El Alto Airport. Indian Ambassador to Bolivia, Rohit Vadhwana, formally handed over the consignment to Bolivian Health Minister Maria Renee Castro Cusicanqui and Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda.
“The vaccines will help tackle the National Health Emergency declared by Bolivia,” the Indian Embassy in La Paz said in a post on X.
Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa hailed the Indian aid as “an important and timely support” that arrived quickly after Bolivia’s call for international assistance. She described the gesture as a testament to “India’s solidarity with the Bolivian people, especially its children.”
Following the emergency declaration, Bolivia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs activated diplomatic channels and engaged with international partners. India was among the first nations to respond, reinforcing its commitment to the Global South.
“We are especially grateful for the Indian government’s immediate response, which reflects the strong bonds of cooperation and our shared commitment to life and health,” said Minister Sosa.
She added that the vaccine donation represents not only effective action but also a powerful expression of friendship between the two nations.
“These doses of hope reaffirm the commitment of both countries to strengthening historic ties of friendship and cooperation for the benefit of health and life,” she said.
With inputs from IANS