Daijiworld Media Network - La Paz

La Paz, July 22: Bolivian President Luis Arce has expressed deep gratitude to India for donating 300,000 doses of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine, calling it a timely gesture of solidarity amid a national health emergency declared due to a measles outbreak.

In a post on X, President Arce thanked “the brotherly people and Government of India,” stating that the donation would play a crucial role in protecting children aged 1 to 14 through a mass immunisation campaign.

India’s assistance follows Bolivia’s emergency declaration on June 23 in response to a sharp rise in measles cases. A formal handover ceremony took place at El Alto Airport, where Indian Ambassador Rohit Vadhwana handed over the vaccine consignment to Health Minister Maria Renee Castro Cusicanqui and Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda.

Foreign Minister Sosa praised India’s swift response, describing it as “an important and timely support” and “a show of fraternity among peoples.” She also highlighted India’s commitment to the Global South, saying the donation exemplified strong bilateral ties and shared efforts to safeguard public health.

The Indian Embassy in La Paz stated that the donation includes ancillary supplies and reflects India’s readiness to support partner countries in times of need.