Minister of Health Ahmed Naseem has stated that a target has been set to eradicate dangerous diseases such as Tuberculosis (TB), Leprosy, and Rubella from the Maldives.
In his address on the occasion of World Health Day, Minister Naseem said that diseases like TB, Leprosy, Filariasis, and Malaria are a major threat to humanity. He said that the Maldives has overcome such diseases on the 75th anniversary of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Additionally, Minister Naseem said that the Maldives has greatly achieved in the health sector to its fullest form. He noted that the Maldives worked with all relevant United Nations (UN) agencies to achieve these achievements.
Noting that vaccine coverage has been provided for diseases like Malaria, Polio, and Rubella, he said that although the spread of some dangerous diseases has been stopped in the Maldives, there are still issues that need to be addressed. He also said the country has set a target to eradicate dangerous diseases.
Furthermore, Minister Naseem said that the number of deaths per 1,000 children born in the Maldives was more than 100, but the number has been reduced to 10 per 1,000 children with the help of the primary health care system. He said the life expectancy of individuals has increased from 40-70 years due to the restructuring of the health service. In addition, he said that lifestyle should be taken care of to prevent dangerous NDCs.
In conclusion, Minister Naseem highlighted the success of the Maldives in the fight against COVID-19. The theme for this year's WHO World Health Day is Health for All. As such, the government is implementing a major project to provide tertiary-level health services throughout the country. The project will establish modern hospitals providing tertiary-level health services in five regions of the country.