The Republic of Maldives is pioneering the path towards eliminating leprosy as a disease from its islands by 2030. To achieve this remarkable goal, World Health Organization (WHO) has played a crucial role by supporting the Maldivian government in organizing capacity-building, screening activities and the facilitation of internal verification for interruption of Leprosy transmission. These efforts lay the groundwork for a more extensive initiative, one that aims to achieve elimination of Leprosy as a disease and related disabilities by 2030.
The dedication to this cause began in 2019 when Maldives became the first country to launch Zero Leprosy Framework. One of the significant milestones of this journey involves declaring 100 islands leprosy-free by 2023. WHO has closely collaborated with the Maldives Ministry of Health to ensure this goal becomes a reality. This achievement is not just a steppingstone; it's a giant leap toward the broader objective of eliminating leprosy altogether, a key priority for the country as well as the region as outlined in the Regional Flagships of Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia.
The success of the Zero Leprosy program hinges on the training and capacity-building of healthcare professionals and WHO has been instrumental in providing support in this aspect. In May 2023, a ‘training of trainers' program for healthcare workers was conducted in the capital, Male'. This training, which was a critical part of the program, was later successfully extended to the islands, reinforcing the sustainability of these efforts.
Moreover, WHO's collaboration with the Schieffelin Institute of Health Research and Leprosy Center (SIHRLC) included hands-on training for laboratory technicians and physiotherapists. These efforts bolster the diagnosis and care of leprosy patients, ensuring that the fight against this disease is comprehensive.
Parallel to training and capacity-building, the Maldives launched extensive leprosy screening and awareness campaigns within the islands. These campaigns, led by the Health Protection Agency and supported by WHO, aimed to identify new cases and provide early diagnosis and treatment as well as chemoprophylaxis coverage for the population.
The culmination of these combined efforts led to the critical process of internal verification for leprosy-free status lead by the Ministry of Health and Health Protection Agency. In September and October 2023, internal verification visits were conducted by atoll teams in all inhabited islands out of which 178 were found to be eligible for verification of leprosy-free status by the government.
To ensure the accuracy and integrity of the verification process, WHO facilitated a team of experts on an external review mission from 8th to 15th October 2023. The external team comprising of international consultants and experts from WHO South-East Asia Regional Office reviewed the report submitted by the country and verified the quality of internal verification assessment conducted in-country, by visiting a total of 10 islands. This mission involved extensive interactions with healthcare workers, island councils, community members, migrants, and individuals affected by leprosy. In the capital city Male', stakeholder consultations were conducted including discussions with dermatologists, laboratory staff, physiotherapists, migrant-related NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders.
During the debriefing event, WHO Representative Dr Nazneen Anwar extended heartfelt appreciation to Regional Director Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh for her leadership, and the WHO Southeast Asia Regional Office and Global Leprosy Programme for their invaluable support. The external review team members were also commended for their efforts in this mission. The dedicated work of Health Care Workers in every island was acknowledged, as they have played a crucial role in implementing training, screening activities, and the internal review process.
“The remarkably low prevalence of leprosy in the Maldives, with fewer than 10 cases reported annually, signifies that the goal of achieving zero leprosy by 2030 is indeed within reach.” said Dr Nazneen Anwar, “This endeavor reflects another notable achievement for a country with a track record of public health successes, attributed to its robust health sector commitment and public health action. I commend Minister of Health H.E Ahmed Naseem and team at Health Protection Agency for their exemplary commitment and leadership towards reaching this milestone. The Ministry of Health and valued partners are encouraged to persist in their commendable work and emphasize the need for continued action at all levels to achieve and maintain elimination.
The Republic of Maldives' journey is an inspiring example of what can be achieved when a nation joins forces to champion public health. WHO remains committed towards a collaborative partnership with the Ministry of Health and all stakeholders, aimed at achieving the targets outlined in the Zero Leprosy Framework and addressing any challenges that may arise, to accelerate the activities. As we stand on the threshold of realizing a leprosy-free Maldives, the road ahead may be challenging, but it is also illuminated by the unwavering determination and dedication of all involved. Together, we are not just striving for the elimination of leprosy; we are writing a story of resilience, hope, and public health excellence for the world to remember in the global fight against this ancient disease.