The World Health Organization (WHO) has presented the Maldives with a special award in recognition of achievements in the health sector.
WHO recognised the Maldives for achieving the target to reduce premature mortality from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases, and for sustaining the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus for 10 years since validation.
The Maldives achieved the target to reduce premature mortality from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases ahead of schedule. The health-related Sustainable Development Goal target was set for 2030, but the Maldives achieved it four years early, becoming the only country in the South-East Asia Region to have reached the milestone so far.
WHO presented the award during the 79th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia, currently underway in Timor-Leste. Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali received the award on behalf of the Maldives from WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The recognition also marks 10 years since the Maldives received validation for eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus, with the country maintaining the achievement throughout the decade. WHO recognised the Maldives for its efforts to sustain the elimination of the disease.
Maternal tetanus can affect women during pregnancy or after childbirth. The disease can result from the use of unsterilised instruments during childbirth and other medical procedures.
Neonatal tetanus can affect newborns when unclean instruments are used to cut the umbilical cord.
WHO noted that the Maldives achieved these health milestones through the Government and the wider community working towards them with a shared understanding.
WHO has previously presented the Maldives with awards on several occasions in recognition of achievements in the health sector. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu received a special award in recognition of measures taken by the Maldives against tobacco.
The Maldives has also achieved recognition as the first country to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B. WHO also presented the Maldives with a special award in recognition of this achievement.