First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has called for newborn health to be placed at the forefront of national priorities, stressing that the well-being of infants is the cornerstone of a thriving and peaceful society.
Speaking at the opening of the Neonatal Nurses Conference, the First Lady said the theme of the event resonates with every family and individual, underscoring the importance of collaboration and dialogue among participants. She reflected on the past, noting that neonatal care in the Maldives has faced significant challenges and tragedies, and urged faster progress in strengthening the sector.
Sajidha emphasised that the expansion of resources, facilities, and skilled professionals must be accelerated to meet the country’s growing needs. “Space, materials and resources, human capacity and skills are needed. We need to embrace the world’s advanced knowledge and specialised scientific technologies associated with the care of newborns to ensure the nation keeps pace with developed health systems globally,” she said.
The First Lady expressed hope that the conference would provide a platform for candid discussion on existing gaps in neonatal care, helping to identify practical solutions and pathways for improvement. She urged participants to work collectively for the health of newborns, believing that new ideas and meaningful discussions would pave the way for positive outcomes.
Highlighting the importance of investing in human capabilities alongside modern technologies, Sajidha said the Maldives must keep pace with international advances in neonatal care to deliver better health services for its youngest citizens. She reaffirmed that protecting newborn health is not only a medical necessity but also a vital step toward achieving a more prosperous and happy society built on strong foundations.
