The government has launched its 'Haalu Kihineh?' programme in Dhaalu Atoll.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development said households in islands of Dhaalu Atoll will be visited by teams from the Ministry to identify those in need of special assistance from the state, and map out those living in vulnerable situations.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development has consulted with the Kudahuvadhoo Council to coordinate the implementation of the programme. The meeting discussed ways to work together to provide assistance and support to vulnerable individuals and families identified through the programme.
The Ministry is preparing to launch the ‘Haalu Kihineh?’ programme in Faafu Atoll later this month. The initiative will also be extended to all islands of Meemu, Alifu Alifu, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll within this year, the Ministry said. The Ministry aims to expand the programme to all atolls across the Maldives by the end of the year.
In an earlier interview with PSM News, Deputy Minister of Social and Family Development Mariyam Lahufa said the Ministry is already providing swift assistance and support to vulnerable and individuals and families identified under the Haalu Kihineh Programme. In this regard, job opportunities as well as short-term training courses are being conducted for such individuals, she had said.
As of May this year, more than 14,000 homes have been visited under the programme. The most frequent complaints received from the public including housing shortages, lack of medical assistance, challenges in accessing financial aid through the social security system, difficulties in consulting doctors, and challenges in importing medicine from abroad.