The Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has expressed growing concern over the increasing prevalence of mental illnesses, particularly among the youth and working-age population, alongside a sharp rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the first Universal Health Coverage (UHC) forum held in the Maldives, the Minister emphasised the urgent need for inclusive, quality healthcare to address these challenges.
Minister Nazim highlighted that while the Maldives has made significant strides in maternal and child health and the eradication of certain communicable diseases, NCDs now account for 84 percent of deaths in the country. He stressed the continued reliance on external sources for treating such conditions, underscoring the necessity of strengthening local healthcare infrastructure.
Additionally, he warned that climate change is exacerbating health risks, impacting food security, mental health, and overall well-being.
To combat these issues, the government is drafting a 2026–2030 roadmap for achieving UHC, prioritising primary healthcare expansion and specialised services such as cancer screening and a national mental health helpline. Under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s leadership, efforts are also underway to expand air ambulance services and enhance urban and tertiary healthcare facilities.
The forum underscored UHC as a critical component of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to ensure equitable, accessible healthcare for all Maldivians. The proposed strategies align with global best practices while addressing local challenges, including healthcare digitisation.