President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has highlighted the value of every Maldivian child and called on citizens to set an example to pave the way for a compassionate and caring society. He made the statement in a post on X on International Day of Disabled Persons.
The new administration has decided to formulate crucial policies for people with special needs. President Muizzu's roadmap for his first 100 days in office includes the implementation of an employment policy for people with special needs. It also includes establishing an adequate system to monitor their wellbeing and provide assistance.
According to the 2022 Census, 6.9% of the population has some form of disability or needs special assistance, which is around 24,401 people. Disability is more pronounced among women with 13,456 of the population of people with disabilities being women, which is 7.8% of the overall female population. A total of 10,945 men have some form of disability and they make up 6.1% of the male population.
Additionally, a total of 15,948 persons with disabilities live in the atolls while 8,453 live in Male'. A total of 5.7% of the atoll population has some form of disability while 7.8% of the population in Male' have some form of disability. The highest number of people with special needs live in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and Meemu Atoll.
The number of people with disabilities in different age groups are as follows:
* 5-17 years: 3,014 (3.8% of age group)
* 18-35 years: 3,602 (3.1% of age group)
* 36-64 years: 9,996 ( 7.9% of age group)
* 65 years and over: 7,402 (36% of age group)