Ref: 2025/PR/120
The new World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative to the Maldives, Ms. Payden presented her Letter of Credence to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel, today.
During the meeting, Foreign Minister Dr Khaleel reflected on the instrumental role WHO has played in the development of the Maldives’ healthcare system and the progress made in public health. Minister noted areas of progress including improvements in disease prevention, enhanced healthcare access and a strengthened capacity to respond to health emergencies. WHO Representative Ms Payden reiterated the WHO’s support for the Government to further strengthen the health sector during her tenure.
Foreign Minister Dr Khaleel expressed gratitude to the WHO for conferring the WHO Director General’s Special Award for Tobacco Control to President Dr Muizzu. Minister highlighted the Government’s key measures on tobacco control, including the First Amendment to the Tobacco Control Act and the decision to impose a generational tobacco ban for individuals born on or after 1 January 2007.
This year marks 60 years since WHO established a Country Office in the Maldives in 1965. The WHO has consistently been an active contributor to the development of the health sector of the Maldives.
ENDS