AGP Executive Report

Digital Health Push: The Maldives is rolling out a five-year national digital health roadmap (2026–2030) to connect islands with a more efficient, resilient healthcare system, with WHO, Japan, and ADB support. Emergency Response Upgrade: The country also plans a “drone-first” emergency response system next year, sending drones to incident scenes early and streaming live video to police command centers. Manta Ray Value for Health & Tourism: A new study estimates manta rays bring over US$311 million a year to the Maldivian economy and could generate about US$8.6 billion in lifetime tourism revenue—good news for conservation-led wellness travel. Wellness Tourism Calendar: Sirru Fen Fushi announced late-2026 wellness and culinary events, including holistic sessions with Dr. Doshi and Michelin-star chef residencies. Hotel Wellness Leadership: Corinthia appointed Peter Roth as president of hotel operations, highlighting his “health and wellness” background and spa-focused experience. Public Health Watch: Two more tropical malaria cases were confirmed in Ukraine after travel to Zanzibar, with patients receiving care at an infectious diseases hospital. Mosquito Risk Reminder: Health guidance warns that imported mosquito-borne diseases can spread after travel, urging repellents and protective clothing.

Digital Health Push: Maldives is rolling out a five-year national digital health roadmap (2026–2030) to connect islands with a more efficient, resilient healthcare system, with WHO, Japan, and ADB support. Emergency Response Upgrade: Home Minister Ali Ihusan says a “drone-first” emergency response system will launch next year, sending live aerial video to command centres to speed up help across the archipelago. Wellness Tourism Spotlight: Sirru Fen Fushi announced late-2026 wellness and culinary residencies, including holistic expert Dr. Doshi and Michelin-star chefs, as the resort doubles down on restorative experiences. Conservation & Economy: A new study estimates manta rays add over US$311m annually to the Maldives economy and could generate about US$8.6b in lifetime tourism revenue. Family Wellness Recognition: Sun Siyam Iru Fushi ranked No. 2 in Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific for Best Family Resorts, highlighting multi-generational wellness and shared island experiences. Microgrid Energy Move: Maldives plans flow-battery supported solar-diesel hybrid microgrids on islands to cut diesel dependence, costs, and emissions.

Digital Health: Maldives is rolling out a five-year national digital health roadmap (2026–2030) to connect care across islands, reduce duplication, and make services more equitable, with WHO and partners supporting the blueprint. Maldives Emergency Tech: The Home Ministry says a “drone-first emergency response” system will launch next year, sending drones to incidents for live video to command centres to speed up help across the archipelago. Marine Health & Economy: A new study says manta ray watching is a major “blue economy” driver for the Maldives—over US$311m annually in direct and wider spending, with up to US$8.6b in lifetime tourism value. Tobacco Policy: Parliament backs reduced import duties on cigarettes and other tobacco, while exempting smoking-cessation products like nicotine gum and patches. Women in Diving: Nova Maldives marks Women’s Dive Day (17–19 July) with a programme led by Zoona Naseem, the first Maldivian woman to qualify as a PADI Course Director. Public Health Alert: Tropical malaria cases have been confirmed in Ukraine after travel to Tanzania/Zanzibar, a reminder to protect against mosquito-borne illness when travelling.

Manta Ray Economy Boost: A new study in PLOS One says manta ray watching is worth over US$311 million a year to the Maldives economy, with up to US$8.6 billion in lifetime tourism revenue—good news for conservation-led travel. Public Health Alert: The Health Protection Agency confirmed 22 measles cases in Greater Malé this year, with a public vaccination drive now targeting frontline healthcare workers, children under 18, and later expanding to under-30 and under-49 groups. Emergency Response Upgrade: Maldives plans a “drone-first responder” system next year so drones can reach incidents early and stream live video to police command centres, speeding up help across the archipelago. Wellness & Inclusion at Resorts: Nova Maldives marks Women’s Dive Day (17–19 July 2026) with guided dives and talks led by Zoona Naseem, the first Maldivian woman to qualify as a PADI Course Director. Energy for Healthier Living: A Maldives microgrid project will cut diesel use on islands by moving to solar-diesel hybrid power with flow battery storage—aiming for lower emissions and more reliable electricity. Tobacco Policy Shift: Parliament backs reduced import duties on cigarettes and heated tobacco, while exempting smoking-cessation products like nicotine gum and patches.

Measles Alert in Greater Malé: The Health Protection Agency confirmed 22 measles cases this year and launched a public vaccination drive, starting with frontline healthcare workers and children under 18, with further phases planned for under-30 and under-49 groups. Drone-First Emergency Response: Maldives plans a “Drone as First Responder” system next year to send drones to incidents immediately and stream live video to police command centres, speeding up help across the archipelago. Tobacco Tax Shift: Parliament backed reduced import duties for cigarettes and other tobacco, while keeping exemptions for smoking-cessation products like nicotine gum and patches. Clean Water Gap: A global map highlights where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach—useful context for Maldives health and prevention planning. Wellness & Community Diving: Nova Maldives marks Women’s Dive Day (17–19 July 2026) with guided dives and talks led by Maldivian PADI Course Director Zoona Naseem and marine biologist Jenna Lehocki. Sustainable Power Push: Flow batteries and solar-diesel hybrid microgrids are being rolled out to cut diesel use and improve reliability on Maldives islands.

Measles Alert: The Health Protection Agency confirmed 22 measles cases in Greater Malé, with two more detected this week, and launched a public vaccination drive targeting frontline healthcare workers and children under 18 who missed doses, with further phases planned for under-30 and under-49 groups. Emergency Readiness: Maldives plans a “drone-first emergency response” system next year, sending unmanned aircraft to incident scenes to stream live video to command centres and speed up decisions in an archipelago where travel delays can be critical. Cancer Services Focus: Health Minister says Maldives aims to begin core cancer services by 2028, signalling a shift toward earlier, structured care. Tobacco Policy Shift: Parliament backed reduced import duties for cigarettes and other tobacco, while keeping exemptions for smoking-cessation products like nicotine gum and patches. Wellness & Community: Nova Maldives marks Women’s Dive Day (17–19 July 2026) with guided dives and talks led by Maldivian PADI Course Director Zoona Naseem, aiming to close the gender gap in diving. Clean Energy Push: Flow batteries and solar-diesel hybrid microgrids are being selected for Maldives deployments to cut diesel use and improve power reliability. Family Travel Recognition: Sun Siyam Iru Fushi was ranked No. 2 in Maldives for Best Family Resorts by Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific.

Measles Alert in Maldives: The Health Protection Agency confirmed 22 measles cases in Greater Malé, with two more detected this week; 543 contacts were identified and 173 are still under monitoring, prompting a public vaccination drive starting today for frontline healthcare workers and children under 18, with further phases planned for under-30 and under-49 groups. Tobacco Policy Shift: Parliament’s Whole House Committee approved a government-backed proposal to cut import duties on cigarettes and other tobacco, lowering the per-stick duty from MVR 8 to MVR 4 and reducing the ad valorem tax from 100% to 30%, while exempting smoking-cessation products like nicotine gum and patches. Health Budget Focus: Bangladesh’s health budget for 2026-27 prioritises disease prevention and healthcare reforms over unplanned hospital construction, aiming to improve life expectancy while protecting essential services including healthcare. Renewables for Island Power: A Maldives microgrid plan will reduce diesel dependence on Himandhoo Island by pairing solar-diesel hybrid equipment with flow battery storage to improve reliability during extreme weather. Wellness & Community Diving: Nova Maldives marks Women’s Dive Day (17–19 July) with a three-day programme led by Zoona Naseem, the first Maldivian PADI Course Director, plus marine biologist Jenna Lehocki, featuring beginner-friendly dives and reef-focused talks. Family Resort Recognition: Sun Siyam Iru Fushi was ranked No. 2 in Maldives for Best Family Resorts in Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific, highlighting multi-generational wellness and shared “island sanctuary” experiences.

Measles Alert in Maldives: The Health Protection Agency reports 22 measles cases in Greater Malé this year, with two more detected in the past week; 543 contacts are identified and 173 are actively monitored, prompting a public vaccination drive starting today for frontline healthcare workers and children under 18 who missed doses, with further phases planned for under-30 and under-49 groups. Health System Funding: Bangladesh’s health budget for 2026-27 prioritises disease prevention and healthcare reforms over unplanned hospital construction, aiming to rebuild an accessible, inclusive system and protect key services like healthcare and salaries. Water Safety Gap: A new global map highlights that over 2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water, with access far below 20% in several low-income countries—an urgent reminder for clean-water planning. Maldives FX Support: The Maldives Monetary Authority temporarily increases USD supply to commercial banks by 25% from June 28 for three months to ease foreign exchange pressure during the tourism off-season, citing higher demand for medical, education, travel, and fuel/medicine imports. Wellness Travel Buzz: Maldives-linked wellness and spa news includes new spa experiences and resort recognition, alongside a Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2026 set for 18 September as part of a World Wellness Weekend.

Measles Alert: Maldives’ Health Protection Agency reports 22 measles cases in Greater Malé this year, with two more detected recently; 543 contacts identified and 173 actively monitored, prompting a public vaccination drive starting today for frontline healthcare workers and children under 18, with further phases planned for June 30 and beyond. Health System Focus: Bangladesh’s health budget (2026-27) prioritises disease prevention and healthcare reforms over new hospital construction, aiming to raise life expectancy and keep essential services protected. Water Access Data: A new global map highlights where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach—showing major gaps between wealthy regions with near-universal access and low-income countries where it remains below 20%. Maldives Finance: Maldives Monetary Authority temporarily increases USD supply to banks by 25% from June 28 for three months to ease foreign exchange pressures during the tourism off-season, citing higher demand for medical, education, and overseas travel. Wellness & Travel (Maldives): NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi launches “Th.ari Under the Night Sky,” a couples’ outdoor spa experience under the stars, while OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru earns Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice “Best of the Best” 2026 recognition.

Health Policy: Bangladesh’s health budget for 2026-27 is set to prioritise disease prevention and healthcare reforms, with a major shift away from unplanned hospital building—aiming for longer, healthier lives and more accessible free treatment. Public Health Watch: Maldives health authorities report more measles cases in Greater Malé, underlining the need for vaccination and quick outbreak response. Healthcare Access & Finance: Maldives Monetary Authority temporarily boosts USD supply to banks by 25% for three months to ease foreign exchange pressure during the tourism off-season, citing rising demand for medical care, education, travel, and key imports. Wellness Travel: NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi introduces “Th.ari Under the Night Sky,” a couples’ outdoor spa experience using Maldivian coconut oil and singing bowls. Community Support: Bank of Maldives donates 30 more wheelchairs, expanding support for people with mobility impairments across more than 105 islands since 2017. Maldives Recognition: OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort earns Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice “Best of the Best” 2026, highlighting wellness and marine experiences. Sports for Wellness: Hideaway Beach Resort launches Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2026, part of a World Wellness Weekend in September.

Public Health Alert: Maldives Health Protection Agency reports 2 new measles cases in Greater Malé, bringing 2026 confirmed infections to 22; 489 contacts identified, 88 still under surveillance, and authorities are vaccinating unprotected contacts while running a targeted campaign for children missing doses and vaccinating 1,118 healthcare professionals. Health System Planning: Health Minister says Maldives aims to begin core cancer services by 2028, signaling a push to strengthen long-term care capacity. Finance & Access to Care: Maldives Monetary Authority temporarily increases USD supply to banks by 25% from June 28 for three months to ease foreign exchange pressure during the tourism off-season, citing rising demand for medical treatment, education, overseas travel, and imports including medicines and medical equipment. Wellness & Recovery Tourism: Hideaway Beach Resort launches Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2026, part of a World Wellness Weekend (17–20 Sept 2026), blending fitness and island lifestyle. Community Support: Bank of Maldives donates 30 more wheelchairs, expanding its mobility support programme to over 360 wheelchairs delivered since 2017. Maldives Recognition: OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort named a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice “Best of the Best” 2026 winner (top 1% globally).

Measles Watch: Health Protection Agency reports 2 new measles cases in Greater Malé, bringing 2026 total to 22, with 489 contacts identified and targeted vaccination underway for children and healthcare professionals. Cancer Care Roadmap: Maldives plans to start basic diagnostic and treatment services at the new 500-bed multispecialty cancer hospital in Hulhumalé by 2028, with advanced services like radiotherapy and chemotherapy later; 120 new cancer patients were registered in 2025 and overseas treatment under Aasandha has cost USD 24.3m for 5,755 patients. Health System Support: Bank of Maldives donates 30 more wheelchairs, expanding a programme that has delivered 360 wheelchairs across 105+ islands since 2017, including new options for children and adults who need caregiver support. Wellness Travel (Maldives): NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi launches “Th.ari Under the Night Sky,” a 90-minute couples spa experience using Maldivian coconut oil and singing bowls. Local Wellness Events: Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa kicks off Maldives Hideaway Resort Run 2026, part of a World Wellness Weekend (17–20 Sept 2026) with routes across beaches, trails, and water villa areas. Tourism Liquidity: Maldives Monetary Authority increases USD supply to banks by 25% from June 28 for three months to ease foreign exchange pressures during the tourism off-season, citing higher demand for medical, education, and overseas travel.

Measles Alert (Maldives): The Health Protection Agency (HPA) confirmed 2 more measles cases in Greater Malé, bringing this year’s total to 22. Health authorities are urging people to complete the two-dose vaccine schedule, vaccinating close contacts, and running a targeted campaign for those who missed doses. Cancer Care Roadmap (Maldives): The Health Minister says the government aims to start basic diagnostic and treatment services at the new 500-bed multispecialty cancer hospital in Hulhumalé by 2028, with radiotherapy/chemotherapy and advanced scans planned later. Health Funding & Access (Global/Regional): The Health Impact Investment Platform (HIIP) approved new technical assistance for Angola and Tajikistan, adding to its push to strengthen primary health care and universal health coverage—HIIP now includes Maldives among the implementing countries. Mobility Support (Maldives): Bank of Maldives donated 30 more wheelchairs, expanding support for people with mobility impairments across more than 105 islands since 2017. Wellness Travel (Maldives): NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi launched a couples spa experience, “Th.ari Under the Night Sky,” featuring coconut-oil massage and singing bowls.

Measles Alert (Maldives): The Health Protection Agency (HPA) confirmed two more measles cases in Greater Malé, bringing the total to 22 this year. Health authorities are urging people to complete the two-dose vaccine schedule, vaccinating close contacts, and running a targeted campaign for those who missed doses. Cancer Care Roadmap (Maldives): The Health Minister says the government aims to start basic diagnostic and treatment services at the new 500-bed multispecialty cancer hospital in Hulhumalé by 2028, with later phases planned for radiotherapy, chemotherapy, PET scans and other specialized services. Mobility Support (Maldives): Bank of Maldives (BML) donated 30 additional wheelchairs, expanding its 2017 programme to support people with mobility impairments across more than 105 islands, including new options for children and adults who rely on caregivers. Wellness Travel Trend: Maldives-linked wellness travel continues to ride the “quietcations” wave, with resorts rolling out sleep and rest-focused experiences, including a new couples spa ritual at NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi. Community Health & Access (Regional): The Merck Foundation’s Africa-Asia Luminary brought together health leaders and First Ladies to boost healthcare capacity, including scholarships for healthcare providers.

Foreign Exchange Support: The Maldives Monetary Authority will boost USD sales to commercial banks by 25% from June 28 for three months to ease FX pressure during the tourism off-season, citing higher demand linked to medical treatment, education, overseas travel, and imports of fuel, food, medicines, and medical equipment. Measles Alert: The Health Protection Agency reports two more measles cases in Greater Malé, bringing 2026 totals to 22, with targeted vaccination for contacts and children who missed doses. Cancer Care Roadmap: The Health Minister says basic diagnostic and treatment services at the new 500-bed Hulhumalé cancer hospital are planned to start by 2028, with advanced services later. Community Mobility Support: Bank of Maldives donates 30 more wheelchairs, expanding its 2017 programme to over 360 wheelchairs across 105+ islands, including new options for children and caregiver-dependent users. Wellness Travel Trend: “Hushpitality” and quietcations are rising as travellers seek rest, digital detox, and restorative experiences—plus Maldives spa and resort wellness highlights. Seaweed Farming Push: Maldives plans nationwide mariculture expansion with seaweed farming, designating five development zones to diversify beyond tourism and tuna.

Measles Alert: The Health Protection Agency reports 2 more measles cases in Greater Malé, bringing 2026 totals to 22, with 489 contacts identified and targeted vaccination underway for those who missed the two-dose schedule. Cancer Care Push: Maldives plans to start basic diagnostic and treatment services at a new 500-bed multispecialty cancer hospital in Hulhumalé by 2028, with advanced services like radiotherapy and chemotherapy planned later. Wellness at Resorts: NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi launches “Th.ari Under the Night Sky,” a 90-minute outdoor couples spa experience using Maldivian coconut oil and singing bowls. Community Mobility Support: Bank of Maldives donates 30 more wheelchairs, expanding its 2017 programme to support people across 105+ islands, including specialised chairs for children and caregiver-dependent users. Marine Health & Conservation: Anantara Dhigu installs 3D-printed flower-shaped reef structures with rrreefs to encourage coral larval settlement and biodiversity recovery. Health Capacity Funding: HIIP approves new technical assistance for Angola and Tajikistan, expanding a WHO-backed platform aimed at strengthening primary health care and universal health coverage. Healthy Habits: A roundup shares 10 practical ways to train your brain for happiness through small daily routines. Healthy Living Lifestyle: A Maldivian proverb spotlights fair reward and exploitation—“rat gnaws the young coconut; bat drinks the water”—as a reminder to value effort and wellbeing.