- President of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu
- Minister of Health Honorable Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim
- Cabinet Ministers
- Deputy and State Ministers of Health
- Members of Parliament
- Senior Officials and Representatives from Maldivian Blood Services
- Ladies and Gentlemen
Salam Alaikum
It is a privilege and an honor to stand before His Excellency to address a matter of great significance. Thalassemia is a genetic disorder that has long been a public health concern for the Maldives. Not only is it highly prevalent, it contributes significantly to both morbidity and mortality.
According to the Maldivian Blood Services, the beta-thalassemia trait affects as much as 16% of the population on these beautiful islands. The burden of this disorder extends far beyond the individuals directly affected. It ripples through families and communities, putting added pressure on our healthcare system. The need for continued attention and intervention in this problem is apparent and important.
The launch of the 10-year Thalassemia Prevention and Control Plan for the Maldives (2024-2034) is a critical turning point in how we address this pressing health issue. This plan is a comprehensive and coordinated approach that will guide our efforts for the next decade. This document is more than a plan - it is a blueprint for hope, action, and change.
The plan is a practical document, with clear objectives and actionable recommendations to address the multifaceted challenges of prevention, screening, treatment, and care for those living with thalassemia. It outlines a strategic pathway that will improve health outcomes and alleviate the burdens faced by so many families.
Your Excellency President Muizzu,
I commend your Government for its deep commitment to this cause. The alignment of this plan with your pledge to prioritize thalassemia prevention, management, and control speaks volumes. It reflects not only the importance of the plan, but also the dedication of your Government to achieving tangible, impactful health outcomes for the people of the Maldives. The successful implementation of this plan will require ongoing support and leadership from your Government, and multisectoral collaboration. These are essential to laying the foundation for long-term success.
I am extremely pleased that this Plan is also an excellent example of inter-country cooperation in our region. This is so because it was developed through collaboration between the National Thalassemia Centre here in the Maldives, and the WHO Collaborating Centre the National Blood Transfusion Service of Sri Lanka. Cooperation, partnerships and collaborations such as this one are crucial for our region to meet the challenges in front of us. We are always stronger together.
The World Health Organization is extremely proud to have played a technical role in this initiative. Through field visits, assessments, stakeholder engagement, and careful drafting, we have aligned this strategy with the national health priorities of Maldives, and with my vision for our WHO South-East Asia Region.
I am proud that WHO's support has been extensive and comprehensive. Our WHO country office, our Regional office, and our WHO Collaborating Centre together ensured a cohesive and well-coordinated approach, bringing together the necessary expertise and resources, to ensure that the plan is built on a foundation of sustainability and health equity.
As I conclude, I would like to extend my gratitude to the Honorable Minister of Health and his dedicated teams at the Ministry of Health and the Maldivian Blood Services. Their leadership, commitment, and collaboration has been instrumental, and their efforts have been tireless.
All of us here today have a common vision for the future. We all want to see a future where every Maldivian, regardless of their genetic makeup, has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life. We want to see them free from the burdens of thalassemia. This plan is as a commitment and a promise to the people of the Maldives - that the fight against thalassemia will remain at the forefront of our public health efforts for the next decade.
Since 1951, our collaboration with the Maldives has fostered many significant public health achievements over the years. I am confident that we will look back at this initiative and add it to the list of public health victories we have achieved together. As a trusted technical partner, WHO remains committed to supporting this endeavor, fostering partnerships, driving innovation, and turning our shared vision into reality.
Thank you and Salam-Alaikum