Ministry of health states that health system may shatter if lifestyle changes are not adopted and revealed that Maldives has the highest number of overweight people in the region. They highlighted the need to adopt a healthy lifestyle to change this.
Ministry of Health stated today that that the health system may collapse if citizens do not bring changes in their lifestyle.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the National Roundtable discussion initiated by UNICEF Maldives on the theme, 'Physical Activity for a Healthy Lifestyle', Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Aishath Samiya stated that over half of the Maldivian population are overweight.
She affirmed that the Maldives has the highest number of overweight people in the region.
Attributing physical inactivity and unhealthy lifestyle habits as the causes of people being overweight, she stated that people of working age are passing away or suffering from health issues as a result.
Ministry of Health added that heart diseases, cancer, diabetes, and lung illnesses are reaching concerning numbers and revealed that most of the Aasandha budget is expended on such noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
"If we continue on this path, our health system might collapse. In order to bring about this change, lifestyle habits must be changed. This is something that must begin with every individual present here," said Samiya.
Highlighting that investing in primary healthcare will produce constructive benefits for the community and its people, Samiya noted that the importance of good health can only be comprehended once it is lost. She stressed that such investments need to be made for the family, children, and oneself.
She said that, therefore, choosing a healthy lifestyle is not a choice but the only option.
Minister of Sports, Fitness, and Recreation, Abdulla Rafiu, reiterated that one of the reasons for the increasing number of NCDs is physical inactivity and unhealthy lifestyle habits. He stated that evolving technology and busy work lives lead to sedentary lifestyles, which significantly contributes to the rise in NCDs alongside obesity.
He assured that, therefore, the Ministry is fully prepared to work towards fostering a healthy community and enforce these lifestyle changes.
Dr Edward Addai, UNICEF Representative to the Maldives, had also stressed the need to refrain from neglecting the body. He further expressed concerns over the rise in noncommunicable diseases and the costly expenditure on health treatments.
Dr Edward stated that people do not engage in regular exercise and that instead, most people consume processed foods and consume high levels of sugar.
"Living a healthy lifestyle is not too hard. However, Maldivians are people who want to consume tobacco [and tobacco products]. As a result, lifespan is decreased," he noted.
He added that if gyms and fitness centers close, the country will need another hospital. Hence, noting the importance of physical activity, he emphasized that this will contribute to better sleep as well as mental well-being.
UNICEF had previously held two panel discussions in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Health Protection Agency (HPA), and the Ministry of Sports. These discussions addressed themes of obesity, overweight, and nutrition. UNICEF stated that two additional meetings will be hosted on healthy lifestyles, after which a paper will be prepared on the findings of the discussions.
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