- Minister of Health His Excellency Mr. Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim
- Honorable State and Deputy Ministers of Health
- Senior Officials and Representatives from Ministry of Health
- High Commissioners, Ambassadors, and esteemed members of the diplomatic corps
- Representatives of UN Agencies
- Partners, stakeholders, WHO colleagues and friends
Salam Alaikum and Good Evening
I am honored to be here in Maldives to officially launch our Country Cooperation Strategy.
This is a milestone moment, and an important new chapter in our collaboration - one that aligns WHO’s global and regional priorities with the present national priorities of the Government of Maldives.
This gathering here today is a testament to our deep commitment to working hand-in-hand with the Government of Maldives. This is a partnership with a purpose - to ensure health equity, to improve public health, and to support the well-being of everyone, everywhere.
The pursuit of this purpose began seven decades ago, in 1951, when WHO became the first United Nations agency to partner with Maldives. WHO was only three years old at the time, which makes our enduring partnership almost as old as the WHO itself.
73 years later, I am pleased to be here with you, together writing the latest chapter in our story.
Over the decades, this collaboration has witnessed tremendous public health milestones.
We have significantly reduced maternal and child mortality. We have watched your successful achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). We see your progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We have seen disease eliminations almost every year; from the elimination of Malaria in 2015, to the remarkable control of Hepatitis B in 2024.
Time and again, Maldives has demonstrated what can be achieved when a nation is committed to its people and their health.
These achievements have made Maldives a leader in public health successes in the region, and indeed around the world.
During this visit, I look forward to traveling to Faafu Atoll, to witness firsthand one of the most recent milestones in our partnership: the transformation of primary health care in Maldives.
The Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) we launch today sets the stage for the next five years, guiding our work together until 2029. Framed in the context of WHO’s General Programme of Work, the CCS outlines a set of joint priorities. These have been carefully agreed upon and are areas in which WHO has established expertise. We want our collaboration to have a meaningful and lasting public health impact, and I am these joint priorities will achieve just that.
In the global public health community, there is now an understanding that improving the health of entire societies requires tackling the economic, social and commercial determinants of health. The health of people, their communities, and their countries is impacted by the broader context of their lives. We cannot ignore or deny that factors such as education, income, employment, and the environment influence health.
Therefore, community empowerment is central to our approach. We know that sustainable changes can be achieved by working with communities, promoting social health, and advancing health communication strategies.
Diseases, both communicable and non-communicable, can be controlled and prevented by multisectoral action that addresses social determinants and focuses on health promotion. This integrated approach not only improves individual health outcomes, but also builds healthier and more resilient societies.
At the same time, we must continue to invest in quality-assured primary health care (PHC). I am very pleased to see that mental health has been integrated into the transformed primary health care model. This means we can provide a comprehensive package of essential health services that addresses holistic wellbeing, throughout an individual’s life course. Not only will this enhance the overall health outcomes of the population, it will also address the needs of marginalized and vulnerable groups. By recognizing the importance of mental health within the PHC framework, we are taking significant steps towards a more inclusive, equitable, and effective health system.
We know that health systems reform rooted in the PHC model can greatly enhance healthcare delivery, making it more equitable and accessible to everyone. This is why I would like to take a moment to commend the Government of Maldives for its commitment to expanding the PHC model across ten atolls.
To make our vision a reality, we must also focus on strengthening health system performance and developing a skilled and capable health workforce. A well-trained, well-supported health workforce is fundamental to successfully implement our CCS. We must invest in the very people who will implement these initiatives, and we are committed to working with the Government to support this.
As we look to the future, we must seize the opportunities presented by technology. Digital health interventions offer immense promise, particularly to a country with the unique geography of Maldives. Digital solutions allow us to bridge gaps in healthcare access, collect high-quality data, and support evidence-based policies, planning, monitoring, and evaluation. Technology, when applied effectively, can transform the health system, making it more efficient, responsive, and capable of meeting the needs of the population.
For over 70 years, Maldives has had a steadfast collaborator and partner in WHO. As we begin the journey of implementing this Country Cooperation Strategy, be assured that our commitment to you remains stronger than ever. As Regional Director, I will provide every support possible to achieve our shared goals.
Your Excellency Minister Ibrahim,
I thank you for your commitment to health, I thank you for your trust in WHO, and I thank you for hosting me in your beautiful country.
I know that together we will continue to make history in the years to come, as we protect and promote the wellbeing of the people of Maldives.
Together we will ensure health for all, and together we will leave no one behind.
Thank you and Salam Alaikum