The Maldives has launched its National Mental Health Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029, a comprehensive roadmap designed to enhance mental healthcare services, integrate mental health into primary care, and combat stigma associated with mental illness.

The plan was officially inaugurated by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Health on February 26, 2025. This initiative reflects the Maldivian Government’s renewed commitment to enhancing the country’s mental health system and expanding treatment options for underserved communities.

The launch follows a validation workshop held on December 3, 2024, where stakeholders discussed governance, resource allocation, and public engagement in mental health services. The plan was developed in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the Australian Government, all of whom played a crucial role in shaping its objectives.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim spoke of the importance of the action plan in bolstering the nation’s mental health framework. He stated that the document outlines the steps required to improve mental health services, and expressed confidence that, if implemented effectively, it would lead to a more resilient and comprehensive mental healthcare system.

The Minister emphasised that no modern healthcare system is complete without adequate mental health services, and reaffirmed President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment to prioritising mental health within his Administration’s policies. He noted that the Government has already made significant progress, including the launch of a national helpline for mental health emergencies.

The Minister also expressed gratitude to WHO, UNICEF, and the Australian Government for their technical and financial support in developing the action plan and acknowledged the President's leadership in strengthening the country’s health sector.

As part of the initiative, the Minister announced plans to establish a dedicated mental health center with assistance from the Indian government. Preparations for the facility are already underway, alongside efforts to extend mental health services to the atolls, ensuring greater accessibility for remote communities.

Building upon previous efforts, the new action plan aims to create a structured framework for improving service quality, accessibility, and public awareness. Among the core priorities are the integration of mental health into primary healthcare, enabling early diagnosis and intervention, expansion of training programmes for healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychiatric nurses, and social workers, nationwide awareness campaigns to challenge misconceptions and encourage people to seek help, and support for vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals affected by substance abuse.

A fundamental aspect of the action plan is the establishment of a collaborative governance framework to ensure accountability and sustainability in mental healthcare provision. The National Mental Health Advisory Board—which includes representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Gender Ministry, the National Social Protection Agency, and various NGOs—will oversee the plan’s implementation.

Additionally, the Maldivian Government has committed to increasing funding for mental health services, ensuring that treatment remains accessible under the national health insurance scheme. Infrastructure development is also a core focus, with plans underway to establish a dedicated psychiatric inpatient facility at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and expand mental health services to regional hospitals, improving accessibility beyond Malé.