The Joint External Evaluation (JEE) is a voluntary, collaborative, and multisectoral process that assesses a country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and rapidly respond to public health risks, whether naturally occurring or the result of deliberate or accidental events. By identifying critical gaps within human and animal health systems, the JEE enables countries to prioritize improvements and enhance preparedness. For countries like the Republic of Maldives, geographic dispersion increases exposure to emerging health risks. Thereby, the JEE provides invaluable insights into bolstering the country’s health security. Through special focus on strengths and areas for improvement, the JEE helps ensure that Maldives aligns its efforts with international standards, strengthening the country's ability to protect its population from potential public health threats.
Maldives conducted its first JEE in the year 2017, which marked a major milestone in its health security journey. This initial evaluation laid the foundation for substantial progress, culminating in the development of the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS). The NAPHS has since provided a strategic roadmap for enhancing the Maldives’ emergency preparedness and response capabilities, playing a pivotal role in guiding the country’s health security efforts over the past several years.
Building on the success of the 2017 evaluation, Maldives embarked on its second JEE from September 22 to 26, 2024. This second assessment was designed to evaluate the country’s progress since the first JEE, while critically assessing the implementation of the NAPHS and the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. The process aims not only to consolidate past achievements but also to identify emerging challenges and opportunities for future health security efforts. Preparations for the evaluation began in early 2024, led by the Health Protection Agency Maldives in close collaboration with the WHO Country Office. The findings from this evaluation will shape a revised NAPHS that will guide the Maldives in strengthening its health security capabilities in the years ahead, across the different pillars of the health system.
WHO has played a key role in providing technical support throughout the JEE process, from its inception to its completion. WHO also organized field visits to the Seaport, Airport, HEOC, NEOC and the biggest tertiary level hospital of Maldives as part of the evaluation and assessment of Maldives IHR core capacities. The organization facilitated the participation of 17 External Evaluators, representing 10 different countries and covering all technical areas of the JEE. In addition to the international team, experts from key Government sectors such as the Maldives Defense Force, National Disaster Management, and the Ministry of Environment also contributed to this comprehensive evaluation.
"This has undoubtedly been an extensive and demanding process for all parties involved," said State Minister of Health, Ms. Aishath Shirna. "The recommendations from the JEE will guide us toward further improvements across all technical areas while serving as a valuable advocacy tool for policymakers. These recommendations will reinforce the government’s commitment to strengthening the International Health Regulations Core Capacities and the public health system in the Maldives."
Dr. Padmal De Silva, Medical Officer (Public Health) at WHO Maldives echoed this sentiment, "As the lead technical partner for health in the Maldives, WHO has worked collaboratively since 2020, especially in the post-pandemic phase, under the 'Build Back Better' initiative. The JEE aligns perfectly with our shared goal of strengthening the overall health system. We remain committed to supporting the Ministry of Health in developing and implementing the NAPHS and coordinating partnerships to ensure its effective execution. Our role as a trusted partner is to drive progress towards a stronger, more resilient Maldives."
This collaborative and integrated approach to health security encompassing prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery demonstrates the Maldives' dedication to building a sustainable and resilient health system. By continuing to work closely with local and international partners, the Maldives is making significant strides in safeguarding public health.