Amid growing concern over the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has met with representatives from seven health organisations to discuss strategies for prevention and control.

The consultative meeting, held at the Health Ministry, focused on strengthening collaboration to address the increasing burden of NCDs and improve public health outcomes. The Minister emphasised the urgency of a coordinated national response, citing the widespread impact of NCDs on communities across the country.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs account for 84 per cent of all deaths in the Maldives, with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney conditions, and respiratory illnesses among the leading causes.

As part of ongoing efforts to improve access to early detection and care, an NCD Clinic was opened at the Dhiggaru Health Centre in Meemu Atoll in November 2024. The clinic is part of a broader initiative to integrate NCD services into primary health care and reduce the long-term burden of these diseases nationwide.