Marking World Health Day 2025, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has urged the public to prioritise their physical and mental well-being by embracing healthier lifestyles and steering clear of harmful habits. His message, shared via social media on Sunday, reflects the administration’s growing focus on preventative care and systemic healthcare reform.
“Let us prioritise healthy eating, engage in regular physical activity, focus on mental well-being, and refrain from activities that harm our physical and mental health,” the President said in his address.
President Muizzu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to building a more robust healthcare system, underscoring plans to work closely with key stakeholders to ensure accessible, equitable healthcare for all citizens. “We are determined to create a society where everyone is given a healthy start in life, which is essential for building a resilient and hopeful future,” he added.
World Health Day, observed annually on April 7, commemorates the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. This year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” shines a spotlight on maternal and newborn health, calling for global action to reduce preventable deaths and improve the well-being of women and children.
In line with this theme, the Maldivian government has rolled out a wide range of healthcare initiatives. These include strengthening primary healthcare services across the atolls, enhancing early disease detection, and launching awareness campaigns to promote preventive health practices at the community level.
Tangible progress has also been made in upgrading healthcare infrastructure. Tertiary services have been expanded at Dharumavantha Hospital and Hulhumalé Hospital, both of which have seen an increase in bed capacity. Additionally, plans are underway to add 117 more beds to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), further boosting healthcare services in the Malé region.
With the growing demand for quality care, these improvements signal the government’s broader vision of a healthcare system that is both inclusive and sustainable. The administration continues to emphasise that a healthy population is the foundation of national resilience and prosperity.