Minister for Health Ahmed Naseem said on Thursday night that the average lifespan of a Maldivian has been raised from 39 to 80.
Speaking at the ceremony held to celebrate World Health Day, Minister for Health Ahmed Naseem said that the collaborative efforts of health workers, local government, and international organizations have led to positive results in improving the health of Maldivians.
He said that looking back 63 years, the average lifespan of a Maldivian was significantly shorter, but now it has been extended.
"The lifespan of a Maldivian during the 60's were 39 years, which has now increased to 80," the Minister said during the ceremony held in Dharubaaruge.
Minister Naseem highlighted the progress made in the Maldivian healthcare system over the past 75 years:
- Decreased child mortality rate
- Decreased death rate of women in child birth
- Establishing access to healthcare in various locations of Maldives
- Ensuring healthcare is available through social health insurance, lessening the financial burden on individual citizens
Additionally, Minister Naseem expressed concern about the increase in chronic health conditions related to lifestyle. However, he noted that preventable diseases through vaccines have been controlled and, in some cases, even eliminated from Maldives.
"Maldives has been designated as a country where diseases such as HIV and syphilis are not transmitted from mother to unborn child," Naseem said.
Minister Naseem also expressed gratitude to all healthcare workers who have been working tirelessly, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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