Tuberculosis is a disease caused by a bacteria called mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but they can also damage other parts of the body. Tuberculosis spreads through the air when a person with the bacteria coughs, sneezes, or talks. In the past three years, Maldives has succeeded in eliminating communicable diseases.
In the efforts to eliminate tuberculosis in Maldives, President Yameen has today launched the National Strategic Plan to End Tuberculosis in Maldives at a ceremony held at Hotel Jen.
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Addressing the function, Resident Representative of the World Health Organisation to Maldives Dr. Arvind Mathur congratulated President Yameen for becoming the first Head of State in the South East Asia region to launch a National Strategic Plan to End Tuberculosis.
"It is my great honor and pleasure to witness this momentous occasion and on behalf of the Regional Director of WHO Dr. Poonam Khetrepal Singh and on my own take this opportunity to congratulate his excellency President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom for being the first Head of State in the South East Asia Region to launch a strategic national action plan for eliminating tuberculosis since the health ministers of the South East Asia Region signed and launched Delhi Call for Action in March 2017," noted Dr. Arvind Mathur. He lauded the deep interest and unwavering support of President Yameen towards provoking interests of the people for public health issues.
"Your presence is an indication of your deep interest and unwavering commitment towards provoking interests for such public health issues and is a testimony to you and your government's deep commitment to rid the Maldives of Tuberculosis which otherwise is still a major threat globally and in the South East Asia Region," stated the Resident Representative of the WHO.
Moreover, the Resident Representative noted that Maldives is an example of universal health coverage in its true sense and action. On conclusion, Arvind Mathur applauded the leadership of Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim for the continued contribution in mobilising and partnering with institutions in health related programmes.
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Speaking at the function, the Health Minister said the milestone is achievable and has been proven within the past few years with the successful elimination of diseases such as malaria and measles.
More than 10 million people were diagnosed with Tuberculosis in 2016 worldwide, according to statistics. The Government of Maldives aims to become the first country in the South Asia Region to eliminate Tuberculosis.