2024 marked a transformative year for social protection in the Maldives under the leadership of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The year brought renewed hope and dignity to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, children, and healthcare accessibility through comprehensive initiatives that touched countless lives.

As a tribute to the nation's elderly, President Dr Muizzu's Administration successfully implemented groundbreaking initiatives that celebrated their invaluable contributions. The centrepiece of these efforts was the establishment of Isravvehinge Naadhee (Senior Citizen's Club) in Male' on 15 February 2024, which will later be expanded to Hulhumale' phase 2.

The Isravvehinge Naadhee evolved into more than just a gathering space – it became a hub where seniors found new purpose through empowerment, entertainment, and skill development. Moreover, several senior citizens were appointed as Presidential Advisers across various sectors, ensuring their continued contribution to national development.

During the club's opening ceremony, the President spoke about its crucial role in preserving and promoting cherished Maldivian core values, including Islam, the Dhivehi language, culture, and tradition.

August 2024 saw the launch of the heartfelt Haalu Kihineh? (How Are You?) programme by the Ministry of Social and Family Development. This initiative conducted systematic household visits across all inhabited islands, putting a human face on the pressing challenges facing Maldivian families. Through community visits, the programme uncovered poignant issues, including housing shortages, overcrowded living conditions, and limited employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Working in tandem with IBAMA (Ijthimaee Badhahi Madhadhuverin), established in 2022, the initiative focused on crafting practical solutions through year-round consultations with relevant authorities. Rather than merely documenting concerns, the programme actively facilitated solutions to nurture social well-being.

2024 saw remarkable strides in creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for persons with disabilities. The Ministry of Social and Family Development, Ministry of Health, and the World Health Organisation joined forces to develop comprehensive national standards for therapy services, carefully crafted in consultation with dedicated experts.

A new regulation on employment opportunities and recruitment practices brought renewed hope to people with disabilities, opening doors to increased job market access and ensuring equal opportunities in chosen professions and career paths.

In a milestone achievement in July, the Government completed a national survey establishing a detailed registry of persons with disabilities and the elderly, giving voice to their needs and aspirations.

The Government also successfully promoted the Rehab App, developed in collaboration with UNESCAP (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific), which focused on Community-Based Rehabilitation and teaching society how to engage with people with disabilities.

Concurrent efforts improved accessibility in schools, hospitals, offices, and streets, whilst making both online and offline Government services more accessible.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development revolutionised its approach to child protection in state custody. Embracing family as society's most precious social unit, the Ministry established a foster care system with thoughtful guidelines for temporary care. 2024 saw 50 children successfully placed in loving family environments, with 25 more heartwarming placements completed by year's end.

September 2024 marked the triumphant implementation of the National Action Plan on Prevention and Response to Violence Against Children, a compassionate five-year strategic framework aligned with United Nations conventions on child rights. This dedicated work, carried out in close partnership with UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) Maldives, strengthened the foundation for ensuring children's dignity, protection, and wellbeing.

The Home for People with Special Needs in K. Guraidhoo witnessed transformations with the opening of two Reintegration Wards in May 2024. These thoughtfully designed spaces focused on teaching essential domestic living skills to residents before their joyful reunions with their families, following completion of their medical, psychological, and social skills programmes.

The facility underwent extensive improvements, including the establishment of a children's ward and expanded staffing with nurses, therapists, and support staff. A significant milestone was reached with the successful transition of the centre under the Ministry of Health's caring mandate, enhancing its capacity to serve individuals with mental disabilities who required state protection.

The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) and Aasandha implemented several crucial healthcare initiatives throughout the year. They enhanced vital coverage for women's health conditions, particularly endometriosis and PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) while strengthening treatment systems in Government hospitals. A specialised endometriosis clinic at IGMH was established, and a new hospital grading system was implemented for overseas hospitals registered with the Aasandha scheme.

The healthcare system successfully introduced biennial medical check-ups for all citizens, with age-specific health packages developed in consultation with medical experts. In a significant policy shift, fertility treatments, including IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation), were included in the coverage, with infertility removed from the list of excluded services.

The transformations of 2024 stand as a testament to the Government's unwavering commitment to social protection, touching countless lives through initiatives like Isravvehinge Naadhee and the Haalu Kihineh? programme. Alongside expanded healthcare coverage and enhanced disability support, these reforms have laid a strong foundation for continued progress, bringing new hope and dignity to all Maldivian citizens.