World Health Organisation (WHO) has awarded the Measles Elimination certificate to the Maldives.
Maldives was awarded the certificate at a special ceremony held at the ongoing 70th WHO South East Asia Regional Committee. The certification was handed to the Minister of Health of Maldives, Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim by the Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia Region, Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh.
Speaking after receiving the award, Health Minister Abdulla Nazim stated that receiving certification indicates the recognition from the international arena for the remarkable achievements made by the Maldivian health sector. Minister Nazim said the priority given to the health sector by President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and his government stakeholders are evident. The Minister stated that eliminating measles is the result of commitment, sustained health care system, long established public health approach and dedication of the healthcare workforce.
Maldives was declared a measles free country in June, 2016. Maldives has not reported any case of indigenous measles since 2009. Maldives along with Bhutan became the first countries in the South East Asia Region to eliminate measles. The two countries became the first in WHO South-East Asia Region to be verified for having interrupted endemic measles virus transmission, ahead of the 2020 regional target.
Measles elimination and rubella control by 2020 has been one of WHO South-East Asia Region's flagship priority programmes since Dr. Khetrapal Singh became the Regional Director in February, 2014.