From Infectious Diseases to NCDs: Maldives Charts a New Public Health Future

As part of celebrations marking 60 years of the Maldives’ membership in the United Nations and the UN’s 80th anniversary, the United Nations in the Maldives, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, WHO Maldives, and Villa College, hosted the second panel discussion in a series on the country’s public health journey.

Titled “From Infectious Diseases to NCDs: Reimagining Public Health in the Maldives,” the discussion brought together distinguished panelists from government, civil society, academia, and UN agencies, alongside students and youth participants. The event highlighted the Maldives’ remarkable progress in public health and explored strategies to address the growing challenge of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

In his opening remarks, UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Hao Zhang reflected on the Maldives’ six-decade-long partnership with the UN and WHO, emphasizing that the country’s public health achievements—from malaria, leprosy, and polio elimination to rising life expectancy over 80 years—demonstrate resilience, collaboration, and sustained investment in the well-being of its people, despite the geographic challenges of a dispersed island nation.

Panelist Mohamed Ismail Fulhu, a veteran public health professional born in 1948, shared insights from over 40 years in health administration and social protection. With senior roles at the Ministry of Health and the National Social Protection Agency, and experience as a Member of Parliament (1983–1999), Mr. Fulhu highlighted the Maldives’ early engagement with WHO and key milestones, including the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and significant improvements in maternal and child health. He is also the author of 20 books on health and Maldivian history and recipient of the National Award for Public Service (1992) and National Award of Honor (2011).

Government representative Mr. Mohamed Hassan, Deputy Director of the Health Protection Agency, Ministry of Health, noted that NCDs unlike infectious diseases, lack immediate fear, making prevention and behavior change more challenging. He emphasized that the rise of NCDs is linked to globalization and lifestyle changes, and that early health efforts often focused more on treatment than prevention. Citing the Faafu Atoll Primary Health Care Demonstration Site (FADS), Mr. Hassan underscored that early diagnosis, registration, and treatment are essential for managing NCDs effectively at the community level.

Dr. Abdul Malik, Co-Founder and President of the Maldives NCD Alliance, described NCDs as a “silent epidemic” driven by modern lifestyles and reduced physical activity. He stressed the importance of early detection, regular screenings, and supportive environments, highlighting that strengthening primary healthcare requires multi-sectoral collaboration involving health authorities, education, youth, trade, and civil society. Using the Faafu Atoll project as a model, he illustrated how integrating NCD, cancer, and mental health services at the community level reinforces that proactive health care is a shared responsibility.

WHO Representative Ms. Payden highlighted the Maldives’ 60-year partnership with WHO and its achievements as the first country to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis, HIV, and syphilis. She emphasized that NCDs now account for 70% of deaths, with risk factors including tobacco use, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy diets. Citing the Faafu Atoll Model, she highlighted the importance of accessible services, early detection, primary prevention, and digitalized medical records. Ms. Payden called for coordinated, multi-sectoral efforts across health, agriculture, finance, trade, education, local governments, and individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles and act as role models for the nation’s future health.

Youth representative Mr. Hussain Junaan from Villa College shared the challenges young people face in tackling NCDs and his personal journey in managing mental stress while embracing a healthier lifestyle. He described using the STRAVA app to motivate peers through running challenges, which also encouraged healthier eating habits. Mr. Junaan urged youth to leverage technology, share inspiring health stories on social media, and balance screen time with active outdoor living.

In her closing remarks, Mariyam Midhfa Naeem, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted that the key lesson from the Maldives’ public health journey is that early action, united efforts, and people-centered approaches are essential. She outlined priorities for the future, including disease prevention, strengthening primary healthcare, promoting healthy lifestyles, expanding mental health literacy, and using data and technology effectively, while encouraging youth to take an active role in advancing public health initiatives.

The discussion concluded with a call to action: as the Maldives shifts from combating infectious diseases to addressing NCDs, sustained innovation, investment in healthier environments, and youth empowerment will be crucial to ensuring well-being across all islands. The event also underscored the enduring value of multilateral partnerships, highlighting the Maldives as a leading example among Small Island Developing States (SIDS).