First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has launched the "Lifestyle Intervention Programme," which aims to assess how sustainable lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing diabetes and other non-communicable diseases. The programme was launched at a special ceremony held in Dhiggaru, Meemu Atoll, to commemorate the World Diabetes Day 2024.
Under the programme, residents of the island who are above 16 years of age will be screened, and those identified as high-risk for diabetes will be targeted to evaluate how lifestyle changes affect their health status. The programme identified that 73% of the populace were at a risk of developing diabetes within the next 10 years if lifestyle changes are not made.
Speaking at the ceremony, First Lady Sajidha noted that as the Maldives transitioned to a developing country, noting that the changes have contributed to the increase in various diseases, associated with the living conditions, diet and lifestyle. She highlighted that instead of the communicable diseases that were previously common among Maldivians, non-communicable diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease related to diet and lifestyle have begun becoming more prevalent.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Diabetic Society of Maldives Aishath Shiruhana stated that the "Lifestyle Intervention Programme," will play a significant role in preventing diabetes and other such non-communicable diseases. Highlighting that the government incurs high expenses to provide treatment for non-communicable diseases, Shiruhana stated that such programmes will assist in the prevention and awareness of such diseases.
While Diabetic Society of Maldives launched the programme in Dhiggaru, it aims to expand the programme nationwide. The project is conducted in Dhiggaru in collaboration with Dhiggaru Island Council and the island's health centre. Additionally, the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation and the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts assisted in conducting the programme. Ten individuals from the island have also been trained as lifestyle coaches for this programme.