On October 15, 2024, the Maldives unveiled its 10-Year National Master Plan on Thalassemia Prevention, Control, and Management, a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing health outcomes for individuals affected by thalassemia. The launch event officiated by His Excellency Vice President Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, and WHO South-East Asia Regional Director Saima Wazed, highlighted the government’s unwavering commitment to addressing this significant public health issue.
The Master Plan is a product of close collaboration between the Government of Maldives and the World Health Organization (Regional and Country Office with vital technical support from the WHO Collaborating Centre National Blood Transfusion Services, Sri Lanka). This partnership involved field visits, assessments, and stakeholder consultations, ensuring the plan aligns strategically with the Maldives' health priorities and WHO’s vision for universal health coverage.
The Master Plan aims to reduce the disease burden, improve access to quality care, and fortify the healthcare system, offering hope for a healthier future for those living with thalassemia. Its success relies on sustained collaboration among the Maldives government, WHO, civil society organizations, and the private sector. Building on this strong foundation, these collective efforts are poised to drive the effective implementation of the plan, ultimately achieving its goals of improved health and well-being for this vulnerable population.