Maldives opens first Universal Health Coverage forum with support from WHO and ADB

The Maldives National Universal Health Coverage Forum opened on Saturday at Kurumba Maldives, marking the country’s first dedicated platform for strategic dialogue on health equity and system resilience.

The two-day event is jointly organized by the Ministry of Health, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The forum aims to strengthen national commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.8, which calls for universal access to quality health services without financial hardship. According to the Health Ministry, UHC means ensuring that everyone can access adequate health services wherever they live, without discrimination or exclusion.

Government agencies from Maldives, India, Bhutan, Indonesia, and the Philippines

Development partners: Global Fund, Gavi, World Bank, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), European Investment Bank (EIB), and Gates Foundation

Local stakeholders: Health professionals, private providers, educators, researchers, and civil society

The Maldives has achieved a service coverage index of around 70 percent, reflecting strong progress in maternal and child health, life expectancy, and primary care. However, the Ministry noted persistent challenges:

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 84 percent of the disease burden

Health financing pressures, staffing shortages, and climate-related vulnerabilities

Reliance on expatriate health workers and gaps in digital infrastructure

The Ministry unveiled a UHC roadmap for 2026 - 2030, incorporating lessons from other countries and aligning with the government’s digital health transformation plan. The forum will produce:

A resource and partnership map to guide future financing and collaboration

Strategic inputs for Maldives UHC Priorities 2025 - 2030

The sessions include expert panels, interactive discussions, and bilateral meetings focused on climate-resilient health systems, innovative financing, and digital health solutions.