he World Health Organization’s Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, lauded the Maldives’ vigorous efforts in combating tobacco use during a high-level discussion with Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 156th WHO Executive Board session in Geneva, highlighted the Maldives’ commitment to public health and its progressive use of digital technology to strengthen healthcare.
Dr. Tedros praised the government led by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu for its resolute measures to curb tobacco consumption, noting that such initiatives are vital to keeping communities healthy and free from preventable diseases. “The Maldives’ strong stand against tobacco is a model for the region,” he said, reaffirming WHO’s readiness to support the nation’s tobacco control efforts.
In addition to discussing tobacco control, Minister Ibrahim outlined a series of innovative projects aimed at transforming the Maldivian health system. He detailed ongoing initiatives to expand telemedicine services and enhance the quality of healthcare across the atolls. Emphasizing the importance of early disease prevention, the minister also highlighted plans to fortify primary healthcare services, develop a sustainable emergency medical service complete with air ambulance support, and ensure safe disposal of medical waste.
The dialogue further delved into the integration of digital health solutions. Dr. Tedros announced that the WHO Health Financial Team would collaborate with the Maldives to upgrade its national health insurance system. Moreover, support from the WHO Southeast Asia Regional Office was pledged to assist in the compilation of the Maldives’ National Essential Medicines List, underscoring the organization’s commitment to fostering a robust, sustainable health infrastructure.
Concluding the discussion, both officials expressed optimism about the future of Maldivian healthcare. The WHO assured continued technical and financial support, particularly in enhancing digital health capabilities and emergency medical services, as the Maldives works towards its goal of universal healthcare.
This meeting marks a significant step in deepening bilateral cooperation in the health sector and highlights the Maldives’ proactive approach to modernizing its public health framework in the face of emerging global challenges.
