The Republic of Maldives recently held its inaugural Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Forum on December 13-14, collaborating with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The event gathered a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, development partners, and over 25 global experts, all focused on advancing health coverage across the nation.
Recognizing its unique challenges as a small island developing state that encompasses 1,192 islands, the Maldives views UHC not merely as a policy ambition but as a fundamental national priority. Despite notable achievements in public healthcare, including significant improvements in maternal and child health, the country faces increasing obstacles such as noncommunicable diseases, demographic changes, limited healthcare workforce, susceptibility to climate change, and rising health expenses. The aim remains to guarantee quality healthcare access for every island without financial burden.
The UHC Forum served as an essential platform for exchanging evidence-based insights and fostering dialogue on topical health challenges. Key discussions revolved around enhancing primary health care, improving service integration, advancing digital health initiatives, optimizing health financing, and building resilient health services that can adapt to climate change. The Forum not only drew upon global experiences but also adapted regional best practices into solutions specifically catered to the Maldivian context.
One of the forum’s pivotal outcomes was the establishment of the Maldives UHC Strategic Roadmap for 2026–2030. This roadmap stemmed from collaborative consultations that outlined strategic recommendations intended to bolster Universal Health Coverage. The discussions highlighted key reforms, investment needs, and actionable plans, which will be integrated into the Health Master Plan (HMP) and the National Development Plan (NDP). This strategic alignment aims to ensure that health policies effectively meet implementation capacities and contribute to the nation’s long-term development goals.
Ms. Payden, the WHO Representative, expressed her honor in supporting the Maldives in this significant initiative, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to developing equitable, resilient, and people-centered health systems. The Forum underscored the critical need for collaboration among various sectors and global experts to expedite progress towards Universal Health Coverage.
Additionally, the Forum stressed the importance of partnerships and resource mobilization, facilitating discussions with donors and investors about collaborative opportunities in various focus areas, including digital health and health security. By fostering coordinated action and embracing shared accountability, the Maldives aims to ensure that health investments provide impactful outcomes across its numerous atolls.
The Maldives UHC Forum 2025 marks a significant step in the country’s health evolution, reinforcing commitment to inclusive care and innovation. It embodies the belief that geography should never dictate access to healthcare, setting the stage for a more accessible and equitable health system that reaches every corner of the nation.