Minister of State for Health Dr. Aishath Rameela has said with Maldives being successful in eliminating non-communicable diseases does not end the role of preventing the spread of such diseases in the country.
Maldives is the most successful country in eliminating non-communicable diseases in the region, State Minister Aishath Rameela noted briefing on the administration's policy of eliminating major non communicable diseases in the country. In this regard, Dr. Rameela stressed on the importance of staying vigilant in screening of people coming from foreign countries as they may carry infectious viruses. Dr. Rameela noted this measure must be executed on foreigners who come to the country in search of job opportunities.
Continuing on, the Maldivian State Minister highlighted the administration aims to eliminate additional non-communicable diseases from the country such as Tuberculosis, mother to child transmitted HIV and worm infestation. In this regard, Dr. Rameela noted that currently efforts are underway to eliminate Tuberculosis from Maldives before 2022. In addition, she revealed plans of the administration in identifying, via detailed surveys, the success rate of the anti-worm medications given to students at school.
Maldives has made remarkable strides in controlling non-communicable diseases, such as the launch of 25 by 25 campaign, establishment of tobacco cessation clinics, outdoor gyms, increase in taxes of tobacco and energy drinks and banning the sale of energy drinks in schools.
Health sector has been one of the prime focuses of the current administration and major steps have been taken for the advancement of the sector. The administration has been successful in eliminating non-communicable diseases such as Malaria and Measles in the country and has been one of the first countries to reach the target in the region.