The Maldives and the World Health Organization (WHO) have renewed their commitment to developing the country’s health sector. The discussion was held during a meeting between the Regional Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) for Southeast Asia Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
During the meeting, President Solih and Director Singh reflected on the longstanding strong relationship between the Maldives and the WHO during the meeting. They also spoke about the improved relations and the commitments fulfilled over the years.
At the meeting, Director Singh went on to praise the Maldives for its efforts to develop the health sector, emphasising how well it handled the COVID-19 pandemic. She said the Maldives made spectacular progress in balancing its focus on health and managing its economy after the pandemic. She added that the Maldives was one of the few countries that invested a considerable amount in developing its health sector, stating that the Maldives spends nearly 12% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on developing the sector.
Also at the meeting, President Solih expressed gratitude to the WHO for its continued support and guidance. He highlighted the need for additional expertise in training technical staff for the health sector. Director Singh stressed that her strong suit lies in supporting disease elimination efforts and commended the Maldives on eliminating several diseases, including malaria and polio.
Concluding the meeting, President Solih and Director Singh expressed a renewed commitment to working closely to develop the health sector and expressed their eagerness for future cooperation.