First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed delivered a compelling keynote address during the inauguration of the 7th Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit (MFFLI), today in Dubai. She praised the Merck Foundation’s milestone achievements—marking eight years as a philanthropic foundation and 13 years of advancing social development programs.
Madam Sajidha reaffirmed her commitment to the foundation’s “More Than A Mother” campaign after being appointed as its Ambassador. She emphasized the urgent need to address the deficit of medical professionals skilled in fertility and embryology by welcoming the foundation’s training scholarships for Maldivian doctors.
Highlighting the Maldives’ broader healthcare agenda, she underscored ongoing efforts to ensure affordable, high-quality services nationwide. She called for sustained technical partnerships to bolster cancer screening, mental health support, and women’s leadership within the health sector.
In addition, Madam Sajidha briefed her peers on a community awareness campaign launched in collaboration with the Merck Foundation. The initiative tackles infertility stigma, gender-based violence, and chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. She also outlined the government’s Gender Equality Action Plan, designed to institutionalize gender equality, empower women entrepreneurs, enhance access to justice, and prevent violence against women.
As Guest of Honour at the summit, the First Lady reaffirmed the Maldives’ dedication to forging long-term partnerships that reinforce health equity and social progress for women and families.
