Maldives launches nationwide health expo to advance public wellness
Country unveils major public health platform to boost screenings, disease awareness and youth wellness under expanding national health strategy
MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — Maldives has launched one of its most extensive public-health initiatives in recent years as the government opened Health Expo 2025, a nationwide effort to strengthen disease awareness, expand access to preventive care and promote healthier lifestyles across the island nation.
Positioned as a pillar of the country’s broader health-sector reforms, the expo brings together hospitals, clinics, civil-society groups and regional medical institutions under a single platform designed to improve public understanding of chronic diseases, nutrition, mental health, and early detection.
More than 50 entities are participating in this year’s edition, reflecting a growing national push to decentralize healthcare from the capital and strengthen services in the Atolls.
Government officials say the initiative aligns with President Mohamed Muizzu’s goal of building a resilient and health-literate population at a time when non-communicable diseases (NCDs) — including diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular illness — remain the country’s biggest health challenge.
The expo features free health screenings, consultations with medical specialists, and educational sessions designed to help citizens identify risks before they develop into life-threatening conditions.
A major focus of the programme is youth and early-childhood health. Dedicated spaces offer nutritional guidance, growth monitoring and vaccination information, while interactive learning stations aim to cultivate long-term healthy habits among younger Maldivians.
Organizers say early intervention is essential for reducing the country’s future disease burden.
The expo also includes targeted sessions for migrant workers, a demographic that often faces barriers to preventive care. These activities provide health information, screenings, and multilingual guidance intended to close gaps in access.
Mental-health awareness — an issue gaining increasing prominence in the region — is another key component, with counselling resources and educational material available to attendees.
Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim said the initiative marks a shift toward a more preventive, community-based health system. According to officials, the government is not only expanding services but also strengthening legislative and institutional frameworks so ministries and local councils can more effectively implement national health programmes.
The administration has prioritized collaboration with private healthcare providers, academic institutions and civil-society organizations, arguing that a modern health system requires coordination across sectors rather than reliance solely on state services.
Authorities say long-term success depends on sustained public participation and accurate health information reaching households nationwide.
Health Expo 2025 will run across multiple days in November, offering further opportunities for screenings, awareness sessions and community engagement as the Maldives advances its ambition to build a healthier, better-informed population.
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