Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel has highlighted the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) vital contributions to the Maldives’ healthcare development, crediting the agency with supporting key public health advancements and bolstering the nation’s healthcare infrastructure.
The remarks came during a formal meeting with Payden, the newly appointed WHO Representative to the Maldives, where she presented her letter of credence to officially begin her tenure. The meeting served to reaffirm WHO’s longstanding support for the country’s health sector, particularly in improving medical access, advancing disease prevention strategies, and enhancing emergency response mechanisms.
Minister Khaleel noted significant progress in the Maldives’ healthcare system, citing improvements in preventative healthcare, accessibility, and crisis preparedness—developments he attributed in part to the continued partnership with WHO. In response, Payden reiterated the organisation’s commitment to working closely with Maldivian authorities to further strengthen the sector during her time in office.
WHO Representative to the Maldives presents Letter of Credence to Foreign Minister Dr. Khaleel
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The minister also extended his gratitude for WHO’s recent recognition of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who received the WHO Director-General’s Special Award for Tobacco Control. He highlighted the administration’s efforts to combat tobacco use, including the ratification of the First Amendment to the Tobacco Control Act and a new generational tobacco ban, which prohibits tobacco sales to anyone born on or after January 1, 2007.
This year marks 60 years since WHO established its Country Office in the Maldives in 1965—signifying a partnership that has played a key role in shaping the country’s public health landscape over the decades.