The 156th Executive Board Meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded, with the Maldives participating as a member representing the South-East Asia region.

The Executive Board comprises 34 countries, with Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim representing the Maldives at the meetings.

The Maldivian delegation contributed recommendations on several global health issues, including enhancing preparedness and response capacity to prevent health emergencies, expanding universal health coverage to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), mitigating the health impacts of climate change, and improving women's and children's healthcare.

Discussions also focused on optimising WHO's assistance to member states and addressing health service needs for the Palestinian people, where the Maldives voted against Israel’s proposals and in favour of Palestinian proposals.

On the sidelines of the meeting, bilateral discussions were held with representatives from Brunei, South Korea, Qatar, and Thailand on the development of the Maldivian health sector. Discussions covered human resource development, public health protection, and health promotion, along with strengthening primary healthcare and securing postgraduate medical training seats. Meetings also took place on proposed agreements with Thailand and Qatar to enhance cooperation in the health sector.

Additionally, Minister Nazim met with WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to discuss the health assistance needed in the Maldives. During the meeting, the Minister thanked WHO for its ongoing support, while the organisation acknowledged the Maldives’ efforts in tobacco control and prevention.