First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has emphasised that nation's demographic shift is changing and underlined the need for proactive measures.
She made the remarks participating in the High-level Session on Changing Population Dynamics in the Maldives, organized by the Ministry of Housing, Land, and Urban Development, in collaboration with the UN Population Fund's (UNFPA) Country Office and the Maldives Bureau of Statistics.
At the ceremony, First Lady highlighted challenges such as an ageing population and declining fertility rates and stressed the importance of integrating policies to address these issues. In this regard, she noted initiatives such as the senior citizens' social centre 'Isravvehinge Naadhee' and including IVF and IUI treatments under the universal healthcare insurance scheme, Aasandha.
She further reiterated the importance of collaboration across sectors and prioritizing citizen well-being to successfully navigate the challenges posed by shifting population dynamics. The First Lady underscored the Government's holistic approach to development, including the formulation of a 20-year national plan and sustainable urban projects such as the 'Ras Malé' initiative.
Concluding her remarks, the First Lady highlighted the significance of embracing people-centric policies, promoting gender equality, and prioritizing citizens' well-being to ensure the resilience and prosperity of the nation in the face of population ageing. Her remarks spotlighted the Administration’s commitment to addressing demographic challenges and fostering sustainable development in the Maldives.
At the event, the First Lady also launched the Census 2022 Analytical Chapters and Atoll Cards. The session showcased a high-impact video on population dynamics, followed by a panel discussion. The Minister of Housing, Land, and Urban Development, Dr. Ali Haidar, and UNFPA Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Mr. Pio Smith, also participated in the High-level session.