President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has urged Maldivians to adopt healthy habits from childhood, describing early discipline as essential to safeguarding against non-communicable diseases and securing the nation’s prosperity. His remarks were issued in a statement marking World Diabetes Day.
World Diabetes Day, observed annually on 14 November, this year carried the theme “Diabetes across life stages.” Against this backdrop, President Muizzu stressed the importance of prevention through lifestyle choices.
“It is crucial for us to become accustomed to healthy habits starting from childhood in order to safeguard against non-communicable diseases,” President Muizzu wrote.
He called on citizens to prioritise health in their daily routines, highlighting diet, physical activity, and disciplined scheduling as central to long-term well-being. He cautioned against practices harmful to the body, underscoring that early discipline is indispensable for protection against disease.
“Attention must be paid to health concerning diet, physical activity, and the structuring of the daily schedule,” President Muizzu wrote. “Furthermore, we must acquire the discipline necessary to abstain from activities detrimental to the body.”
The president also expressed gratitude for the efforts of non-governmental organisations and individuals working to raise awareness within communities. He framed the day as an opportunity to reaffirm a collective national vision: a healthy population as the foundation for building the nation and ensuring prosperity.
“I would like to express gratitude for the efforts undertaken at the level of private organisations and individuals to raise community awareness regarding these matters,” the president wrote. “On occasions like this, we must renew our commitment for Maldivians to remain a healthy population, free from disease, thereby building the nation and securing a prosperous life.”
The government has reinforced this message with its own commitments to public health. Priorities include prevention before the onset of illness, guaranteeing citizens access to modern, high-quality standards of care, and steering communities away from unhealthy practices prevalent within society.