Championing quality of care in Mental Health: WHO implements Quality Rights Toolkit in 'Home for People with Special Needs' Maldives

As part of the focused support to strengthen mental health and social care services at the Home for People with Special Needs (HPSN) in Guraidhoo, WHO recently provided extensive technical assistance through the implementation of its Quality Rights Toolkit. From 25 to 27 February 2025, a dedicated Technical Committee composed of health experts, advocates, and community stakeholders convened to assess human rights standards for the 206 residents of HPSN. The toolkit's implementation was technically facilitated by WHO, specifically under the expert guidance of Dr Andrea Bruni, WHO Regional Advisor for Mental Health.

This initiative, guided by the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), aimed to transform the quality of life and safeguard the dignity of individuals experiencing mental health conditions and disabilities. The experts conducted comprehensive training sessions that emphasized essential human rights, including the rights to adequate living conditions, personal liberty, freedom from abuse, and community inclusion.

Through detailed observations, comprehensive documentation reviews, and personal interviews with residents and staff, the review team identified critical gaps that significantly affect service quality, particularly in facility infrastructure, living conditions, and therapeutic practices. Following this assessment, actionable recommendations were collaboratively developed during an inclusive stakeholder debriefing session. These evidence-based recommendations provided a clear roadmap for improvement and were subsequently presented to the Honorable Minister of Health and senior management team, who committed to taking the necessary steps for implementation and follow-up.

By empowering local health authorities with the necessary tools, expertise, and training, WHO is supporting the Government of Maldives in paving the way towards meaningful change, fostering an environment where dignity, human rights, and quality care become the norm for every resident of HPSN. Through such endeavors, WHO remains committed to mental health reform and human rights advancement in the Maldives and beyond.

This article is first published at WHO Maldives website on Championing quality of care in Mental Health: WHO implements Quality Rights Toolkit in 'Home for People with Special Needs' Maldives

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