First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has called for equitable access to healthcare, stressing that quality medical services should be available to everyone regardless of where they live.

Delivering a statement at the 8th Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit, held as part of the 13th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, the First Lady said every child deserves an equal opportunity to grow up healthy, whether born on a remote island or in a capital city.

Addressing fellow First Ladies from Africa and Asia during the virtual summit, she said investing in people is the most valuable investment any society can make.

The First Lady also highlighted the outcomes of the Maldives' partnership with the Merck Foundation, noting that 13 scholarships have been awarded in specialised medical fields, including fertility and embryology, endocrinology, critical care and paediatrics. She added that the collaboration has also supported eight creative awards in media, music, film and fashion design, while 3,000 school supply sets have been distributed through the Educating Linda Programme.

She further stressed that sustainable development depends not only on infrastructure but also on partnerships founded on trust and solidarity, enabling people to live with dignity, hope and access to quality healthcare.

As an Ambassador of the Foundation's "More Than a Mother" programme, the First Lady also highlighted the need to address the stigma surrounding infertility, calling for greater empathy and respect for those affected.

Concluding her remarks, she congratulated the Merck Foundation on its ninth anniversary and 14 years of development initiatives across Africa, Asia and underserved communities, while urging continued collaboration to ensure healthcare, opportunity and dignity are accessible to everyone.