President Dr Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to eliminating tuberculosis (TB), highlighting past successes and unveiling new initiatives to achieve a TB-free future. He made this declaration in his message marking World Tuberculosis Day, observed globally on 24 March.
In his message, the president underscored the importance of this year's theme, "Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver," as a global call to action for strengthened efforts to combat the disease. "As we celebrate the World Tuberculosis Day, we join the global community in reaffirming our commitment to end TB," the president stated.
The Maldives, distinguished as one of only five countries worldwide to have met the ambitious targets of a 70 percent case detection rate and an 85 percent cure rate since 1998, received commendation for its exceptional progress. The president attributed this achievement to the unwavering dedication of healthcare professionals and the robust efficacy of the nation's TB control programme. "This achievement is a clear testament of the dedication shown by our healthcare professionals and the effectiveness of our national TB control programme," he said.
To build upon this foundation, the president announced the introduction of free Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment (TPT) for latent TB cases, a significant step toward proactive healthcare. Moreover, efforts to integrate TB prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment into the Maldives' primary healthcare framework aim to ensure access to comprehensive care for all, he added.
Concluding his message, the president called for collective action in the fight against TB, reiterating a shared responsibility to protect future generations. "Together, let us strive to build a healthier, TB-free Maldives for future generations," he urged. Earlier in the day, the president reinforced his commitment through a post on his official X account.