First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has inaugurated a new indoor gym facility developed by the Women’s Development Committee (WDC) of Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu Atoll, expanding access to fitness infrastructure at island level.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu, Member of Parliament for Kudahuvadhoo constituency Hussain Hameed, members of the Kudahuvadhoo Island Council and the Women’s Development Committee, as well as a large number of island residents.

The gym, established at the Ekuveri WDC building, is intended to provide residents with a dedicated space for physical activity and exercise. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the First Lady highlighted the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle as part of efforts to reduce the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, noting that access to appropriate facilities plays a key role in encouraging healthier habits within communities.

She said the development of community-based fitness facilities supports wider public health objectives and complements national-level efforts aimed at strengthening preventive healthcare. Referring to recent international recognition of the Maldives’ health sector reforms, the First Lady noted that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s policies to improve public health and prevent disease have been acknowledged by TIME magazine, which named him among the 100 Most Influential People in Health for 2026, citing measures such as tobacco control initiatives.

The First Lady described the gym as an important addition to Kudahuvadhoo’s public facilities and encouraged residents to make use of the space to support their physical and mental wellbeing. She also commended the Women’s Development Committee for initiating the project, noting the role of community organisations in promoting health, social development and civic participation at island level. The First Lady encouraged similar committees across the country to undertake initiatives that contribute to community wellbeing.