The Primary Health Care programme has been officially launched across Kaafu and Vaavu atolls, with the inaugural ceremony held on Saturday in Kaafu Thulusdhoo.

The event also marked the launch of a nationwide communication campaign under the “Primary Health Care Revitalisation Programme”. 

As part of the visit, the Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali met with heads of health centres in Kaafu Atoll to discuss ways to enhance service delivery and strengthen healthcare provision. A panel discussion was also held during the ceremony, bringing together technical experts to outline the national roadmap for improving primary health care services.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister highlighted that the central aim of the health sector is to ensure essential healthcare services are accessible to the public at the most appropriate level in an efficient and convenient manner. Emphasis was placed on the role of a strong primary health care system as the most effective framework for delivering quality, community-based care.

The Health Minister highlighted that the Maldives’ progress in reducing paediatric diseases has been largely driven by sustained primary health care efforts carried out in close collaboration with communities.

However, growing cases of non-communicable diseases were identified as a key challenge facing the sector, requiring long-term management and sustained intervention.

The Minister also stressed the importance of healthy lifestyle habits at both individual and family levels, alongside the need for a well-structured system that ensures timely access to health information and services.