President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has highlighted the importance of preserving nature to enable a healthy life. He made the remarks in a special message conveyed on the occasion of World Health Day.
In his message, President Solih extended warm felicitations of the day to all healthcare professionals working in the Maldives. He acknowledged their selfless service to the nation, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his message, the president stated humans are surrounded by many health risks, including diseases and environmental threats. The president noted the biggest challenges facing humanity are the result of human actions that compromise the environment and public health. As such, he revealed studies by the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicates 13 million people die around the globe annually from causes related to the environment that could be avoided.
President Solih said as a country that is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, the Maldives must allocate a special priority to eliminate environmental threats. In this regard, the president noted global warming, air and water pollution, tidal surges and erosion are major challenges faced by the country that affect the health and well-being of its people. Therefore, he said a high importance has be to given for the preservation of nature in order to enable a healthy life.
On the theme allocated by WHO for this year’s World Health Day, Our Planet, Our Health, President Solih said the theme also highlights the importance of nature for a healthy life. He added the theme also brings to attention the threats faced by mankind due to climate change.
Furthermore, the president also highlighted the importance of addressing the spread of non-communicable diseases, as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. The president noted statistics indicate that most Maldivians die from non-communicable diseases such as cancer, heart diseases and stroke as well as lung and kidney diseases. Noting many of these diseases are linked with unhealthy habits such as smoking, the president said lifestyle changes are required to reduce the prevalence of such diseases.
The World Health Day is marked annually on April 7. It is marked on the anniversary of the founding of the WHO in 1948.