Abandoned newborn in good health

An infant abandoned after birth on Vaadhoo island is in good health at the regional hospital in the southern Gaaf Dhaal atoll.

Both the baby girl and her mother were brought over in the early hours of Tuesday, an official from the Thinadhoo hospital told the media. There were no injuries or complications during birth but the baby would be kept under observation for 48 hours.

The newborn was reportedly found inside a bucket by a neighbour around 7pm Monday evening. The police and gender ministry have launched investigations after the case was reported.

In a statement late Monday night, the gender minister appealed against publishing the newborn’s photo in the press or sharing them on social media, where photos of the baby inside the bucket have been circulating.