The National Forum on Sustainable Elderly Care & Long-Term Care Systems has commenced, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss policies and strategies aimed at strengthening health and social protection for senior citizens.

The two-day forum, organised by the Ministry of Health, includes participation from government institutions, international partners, UN agencies and relevant organisations, with discussions focused on improving healthcare access, social protection mechanisms and long-term care systems for the elderly.

Speaking at the forum, Director General of Health Services Dr Ahmed Ashraf said the forum aims to identify ways to ensure older persons maintain better health and wellbeing, including through improvements in nutrition, mental health support and preventive care, while also providing an overview of current challenges and service gaps in the Maldives.

Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, who officiated the opening of the forum, launched the National Dementia Strategy and a Population Situation Analysis report, aimed at guiding evidence-based policymaking and strengthening preparedness for demographic changes.

Addressing the opening session, the Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives highlighted the importance of adapting healthcare systems to meet the needs of an ageing population, noting that both developing and developed countries must strengthen support systems as demographic trends shift.

The forum forms part of efforts to enhance elderly care services, as data indicates the Maldives is transitioning towards an ageing population, with ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting active, healthy and dignified ageing across the country.