President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated today the Health and Family Expo held under the theme "Together for a Healthy and Happy Generation."
The three-day expo, held at Hulhumalé Central Park to provide a range of health and social information to the public in one location, commenced this afternoon.
During the inauguration ceremony, the President and First Lady toured the stalls. At the ceremony, the President launched the "Haftha 156" book, which details the work carried out and targets achieved in the health sector over the past three years.
Speaking at the ceremony held to launch the expo, Health Minister Geela Ali stated that the purpose of the expo is to provide the public with information regarding health and social services, showcase the services provided by stakeholders in these sectors, and provide information required to maintain good health.
"At this juncture when non-communicable diseases are increasing among us, making positive changes has become imperative. We must make activities such as exercising, consuming healthy food, and abstaining from tobacco use a part of daily life," she said.
The minister stated that in this year's expo, there will be over 60 stalls, including hospitals, clinics, non-governmental organizations, and associations from the Malé area, as well as regional hospitals from the atolls.
This expo will continue until next Saturday.
Minister Geela also noted that although this is the third time the Health Expo is being held, the number of stalls has increased this time, which represents significant progress.
Activities included in the expo:
- Opportunities to submit complaints regarding institutions and receive responses
- Dedicated health checkups for children as part of activities designed for families to spend enjoyable time together
- Provision of information regarding balanced diets and child growth and development
- Provision of vaccines and health information
- Various entertainment activities
- Health information and health screenings specifically for foreign workers
- Activities dedicated to youth and provision of mental health information
- Teaching healthy eating habits alongside healthy food stalls
- Various entertainment activities, including music shows and a haunted house
The Ministry of Health also held a "Health Expo" last year to raise public awareness to build a healthy generation. Minister Geela Ali stated today that over 10,000 people visited that expo daily.
