Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel has underscored the World Health Organisation's (WHO) contributions to the Maldives' healthcare sector, crediting the organisation with helping advance public health initiatives and strengthening the country's healthcare infrastructure.
At a meeting with Payden, the newly appointed WHO Representative to the Maldives, the foreign minister received her letter of credence, marking the official start of her tenure. The discussions reinforced WHO's longstanding role in supporting national health policies, with a particular focus on improving access to medical services, strengthening disease prevention strategies, and enhancing emergency response capabilities.
Minister Khaleel outlined the progress made in healthcare, citing key developments in preventive measures, accessibility, and crisis response. WHO's continued partnership, he stated, has been central to these advancements. Payden, in her remarks, reaffirmed WHO's commitment to working alongside Maldivian authorities to further bolster the healthcare system under her leadership.
The minister also expressed his appreciation for WHO's recognition of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu through the WHO Director-General's Special Award for Tobacco Control. He noted the administration's recent efforts to curb tobacco use, including the First Amendment to the Tobacco Control Act and a newly introduced generational tobacco ban that prohibits sales to individuals born on or after 1 January 2007.
This year marks 60 years since WHO established its Country Office in the Maldives in 1965, a milestone in a partnership that has shaped the nation's health sector. Over six decades, WHO has played an integral role in its development, contributing to the resilience and growth of Maldives' public health system.