The Ministry of Health has announced that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has honored the Maldives with a prestigious award in recognition of its exceptional achievements in public health. The award was presented during the 77th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for the South-East Asia Region.
The health ministry said that the WHO highlighted the accomplishments of several countries at the regional level, including the Maldives, for their remarkable public health successes. The Maldives received the award for its significant progress in eradicating Hepatitis B, reducing under-5 mortality rates, and improving outcomes related to neonatal health and maternal care during pregnancy up to 20 weeks. Alongside the Maldives, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand were also recognised for reaching these milestones.
The WHO officially declared the Maldives free of Hepatitis B in January this year. The organisation also praised the success of the Maldives' vaccination campaigns and the enhancement of its prenatal care system.