The Maldives issued an urgent call for the restoration of essential health services and the operationalisation of health facilities in Palestine during the 156th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board in Geneva. The meeting, convened at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, from 3 to 11 February, was attended by a Maldivian delegation led by Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim.
The delegation underscored the grave health conditions in the occupied Palestinian Territories, casting a spotlight on the critical need for immediate intervention. The Maldives voted in favour of proposals advanced by Palestine, rejecting those put forward by Israel, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Comprising 34 technically qualified members elected for three-year terms, the WHO Executive Board is tasked with implementing the decisions and policies of the World Health Assembly and advising on its operations.
The meeting featured extensive deliberations on the restoration of essential health services and the operationalisation of health facilities in Gaza. The discussions also included the delivery of medical supplies and the provision of fuel to hospitals, amidst severe constraints on access. The urgency of establishing systematic and sustained access to the population across Gaza was another key focus. These discussions underscored the critical need for comprehensive efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure and services in Gaza.
At the meeting, the Maldives also advocated for enhancing response mechanisms and improving the ability of all states to manage global health emergencies, in addition to increasing universal health coverage to aid states in attaining sustainable development goals. The Maldives also stressed the importance of mitigating health concerns induced by climate change and protecting the health of children and women.
During their visit to Geneva, the Maldives delegation also met with WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The discussions centred on seeking additional support and assistance from the WHO for the Maldives, according to health ministry sources. The delegation also expressed their gratitude for the support and assistance currently provided by the WHO. Officials also commended the efforts made by the Maldivian government in tobacco control and smoking cessation, sources said.
In addition to the main agenda, the Maldivian delegation engaged in bilateral discussions with delegates from Brunei, South Korea, Qatar, and Thailand. These meetings focused on support and cooperation in strengthening the healthcare sector in the Maldives. Seeking assistance to enhance human resources development and promoting public health initiatives were also key topics, according to health ministry sources.
Discussions with delegates from Qatar and Thailand were centred on proposed bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening the Maldives' primary healthcare system and securing seats for postgraduate studies for Maldivian students.