The Ministry of Social and Family Development Wednesday launched the National Development Screening Tool, an initiative expected to significantly bolster the early detection and systematic treatment of children experiencing developmental delays.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Minister of Social and Family Development, Dr Aishath Shiham noted that the new measure, encapsulated in the "Developmental Milestone Tracking Form," marks a crucial step in ensuring children with disabilities receive timely treatment, ultimately benefiting generations to come.
Minister Dr Aishath Shiham highlighted the nation’s prior successes in child health—noting the dramatic reduction in maternal and infant mortality rates—and stated that similar systematic strengthening in disability identification will allow affected children to integrate fully into society.
The Minister explained that the tracking form is designed to empower both parents and educators, providing a formal referral system that makes it easier to spot developmental differences in the home and classroom environment early on.
Stressing the vision for an inclusive society, she said that true inclusion is achieved when national systems are shaped to "see, hear and fully respond to the needs of every child from an early age," affirming that this new tool will deliver substantial and lasting change.