Statistics released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Thursday reveal that 30 percent of women in the Maldives are giving birth in islands away from their homes, highlighting the long-standing issue of inadequate healthcare in the atolls.
During the first quarter of this year, a total of 1,427 children were born in the Maldives, comprising 697 girls and 730 boys.
The data indicates that 72 percent of these births, or 1,028 children, occurred in Malé city. Haa Dhaalu atoll recorded the second highest number of births with 86 children, followed by Addu with 53.
While 72 percent of children are born in the capital, 70 percent of all births occur in the island where the mothers reside. This means that 30 percent of women gave birth on an island other than their home island.
Of the 1,028 women who gave birth in Malé, 64 percent are residents of the city. Conversely, among the 402 children born in the atolls, 85 percent were born on the island where their parents live.
Children’s Day Family Festival in Hulhumale'. (Photo/Ooredoo)
Notably, the highest number of births were given by women in their 30s. The breakdown by age group is as follows:
Ages 15-17: 3 women
Ages 18-19: 13 women
Ages 20-24: 205 women
Ages 25-29: 394 women
Ages 30-34: 444 women
Ages 35-39: 296 women
Ages 40-44: 68 women
Ages 45-49: 4 women
In addition, 374 deaths were recorded in the first quarter of this year, with 218 occurring in Malé and 152 in the atolls. This means 59 percent of deaths also took place in the city.
Both birth and death statistics underscore the significant reliance on Malé for healthcare services, further emphasizing the persistent concern regarding the lack of adequate and quality healthcare in rural areas and atolls.