Thursday
27th Mar 2025
Dhivehi Edition
World health organization
WHO Commends Maldives' Tobacco Control Efforts, Pledges Support for Healthcare Development
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has praised the government of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu for its strong efforts in tobacco control. The commendation came during a meeting with Maldives' Minister of Health, Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, on the sidelines of the 156th Executive Board meeting of the WHO in Geneva.
The discussion also focused on advancing Maldives’ healthcare system through digital technology and reinforcing universal healthcare. The Health Minister outlined the government’s key priorities, including:
- Expanding telemedicine services to improve healthcare access, particularly in the atolls.
- Strengthening emergency medical services, including the development of sustainable air ambulance operations.
- Enhancing safe medical waste disposal to ensure environmental and public health safety.
Investing in primary healthcare for early disease prevention and long-term sustainability of the health sector.
Dr. Tedros acknowledged Maldives’ commitment to reducing tobacco use and expressed WHO’s full support in further strengthening tobacco control initiatives. He also confirmed that:
- The WHO Health Financing Team will assist in enhancing Maldives’ national health insurance system.
- The WHO Southeast Asia Regional Office will support the development of Maldives’ National Essential Medicines List.
The meeting concluded with WHO reaffirming its continued technical and financial support for key healthcare advancements, particularly in telemedicine, digital health, and emergency medical services.