First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed has pledged to utilize her position to tackle the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the Maldives. Her remarks came during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Committee Meeting on Wednesday, part of the 11th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary Annual Conference.

In her address, the First Lady highlighted the alarming mortality rates linked to NCDs, labeling them as one of the most pressing health challenges facing the nation. She emphasized the urgent need for enhanced healthcare capacity and increased community awareness to address these issues effectively. Madam Sajidha noted a particular shortage of specialists in critical areas, such as oncology, which hampers the country’s ability to combat these diseases.

To further address these gaps, the First Lady called for external support, stressing the importance of collaboration in improving the healthcare infrastructure. She also touched upon challenges related to reproductive health, focusing on the emotional and social difficulties that Maldivian couples often face concerning infertility.

Praising the Merck Foundation’s initiatives, Madam Sajidha expressed her admiration for the unity and collaborative spirit among First Ladies at the conference. She conveyed her enthusiasm for applying the insights gained from the event to strengthen the Maldives' healthcare sector and improve the lives of its citizens.