Minister of State for Health, Dr. Aishath Rameela has stated that the best approach to adapt to a healthy lifestyle is to bring the required behavioral changes, in the early stages of life of individuals.
Speaking on Maldives Today television programme aired on PSM News, State Minister Dr. Aishath Rameela said that currently in Maldives 81% deaths are caused due to non-communicable diseases which are mainly attributed to issues in diet and lifestyle.
Speaking on the programme, Minister of State for Health Dr. Aishath Rameela said that various efforts has been exerted in establishing a healthy life style in the society but with the latest trends making its mark in the life of all citizens the awareness campaigns conducted have not had much effect.
State Minister Dr. Rameela noted the importance of bringing a change to the approach in tackling the root cause of the problem, which lies in lifestyle choices. She said, changing habits such as chewing betel nuts which has gained prominence in the Maldivian society, would take time. Dr. Rameela however noted that such habits cause life threatening diseases for consumers.
She highlighted that the best approach to adapt to a healthy lifestyle is early intervention.
Dr. Rameela noted that other bad habits such as smoking and consumption of energy drinks pose health risks. She noted that steps such as hiking tax on such products need to be accompanied by behavioral changes. State Minister Rameela cited that the 25 by 25 campaign aims to tackle such challenges.
Maldives has been very successful in efforts to eliminating diseases such as measles and malaria, lymphatic filariasis and leprosy.
In addition, the current administration has been successful in establishing tobacco cessation clinics, outdoor gyms, increase in taxes imposed on tobacco and energy drinks and banning the sale of energy drinks in schools.