AGP Executive Report

HIV Prevention: The Health Protection Agency is asking the public to take part in a survey on HIV awareness, youth knowledge and access to confidential testing. The Health Minister reported 22 new cases this year and 76 recorded overall. Drug-related Health Risks: A report warns that growing meth use, including public injecting, may heighten HIV risks. Worker Health: Bangladesh’s medical university and high commissioner are calling for investigation of sudden deaths among Bangladeshi workers in the Maldives, including possible medical and environmental causes. Healthcare Capacity: The Maldives and Pakistan are discussing a medical college and teaching hospital in Hulhumalé; a health cooperation agreement is also expected during President Muizzu’s visit to Pakistan. Access to Treatment: The MMA has limited the USD 1,000 overseas medical allowance to six destinations, while Aasandha travellers retain access to USD 2,000. Food Security: President Muizzu says sustainable farming and stronger local food production can reduce reliance on imports and build national resilience.

HIV Awareness: The Health Protection Agency has launched a public poll to identify gaps in HIV knowledge and awareness of confidential testing. The Health Minister reported 22 new cases this year by September 30, bringing the total to 76. Medical Training: The Maldives and Pakistan are discussing a medical college and teaching hospital in Hulhumalé to help train more local health professionals; a health-sector agreement is also expected during President Muizzu’s visit to Pakistan. Medical Travel: The Maldives Monetary Authority has limited the USD 1,000 allowance for self-funded overseas treatment to six countries, citing concerns about how the funds are used. Consumer Safety: The MFDA warns that health claims on some locally made foods may lack scientific support and says laboratory reports cannot be used to imply health benefits in advertising. Youth Wellbeing: Research points to high stress, anxiety and sleep problems among Grade 10–12 students, while a separate study found 28% of MNU students use e-cigarettes, highlighting the need for targeted support and awareness. Mental Health Services: A wellbeing centre has opened in Kulhudhuffushi as the President calls for a comprehensive Mental Health Act.

Medical Training: The Maldives and Pakistan are discussing a medical college and teaching hospital in Hulhumalé to train more local health professionals; Pakistan says over 80 Maldivian doctors have already graduated from its medical programme. Overseas Treatment: The MMA has restricted the USD 1,000 medical-travel allowance to six destinations. It says USD 41.1 million was issued for treatment abroad from January to September, nearly three times last year’s total. Consumer Safety: The MFDA warns that health claims for some locally made foods lack scientific support and says laboratory reports cannot be used to promote health benefits. Mental Health: A community wellbeing centre has opened in Kulhudhuffushi, while a study of 418 students found stress, anxiety and sleep problems especially common in Grades 10–12. Youth Health: Research found 28% of surveyed MNU students use e-cigarettes, prompting calls for targeted awareness programmes.

Medical Access: The Maldives Monetary Authority has restricted the USD 1,000 allowance for self-funded medical travel to six destinations after USD 41.1 million was issued for treatment abroad from January to September—nearly triple the total for all of 2025. Aasandha patients’ USD 2,000 allowance remains unchanged. Consumer Safety: The MFDA warned that health claims on some locally made foods are not scientifically verified and said lab reports cannot be used to promote such benefits. Youth Health: Studies found mental health concerns, including anxiety and stress, were most prevalent among Grades 10–12 students, while a separate survey found 28% of MNU students use e-cigarettes. Mental Wellbeing: A community support centre has opened in Kulhudhuffushi to offer early help and reduce stigma. The President has also pledged to draft a comprehensive Mental Health Act. Active Living: More than 5,500 people registered for November’s Dhiraagu Maldives Road Race, a new record.

Medical Travel: The MMA has restricted the USD 1,000 allowance for self-funded overseas treatment to travel to India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and the UAE. Aasandha patients retain access to USD 2,000; medical-purpose dollar sales reached USD 41.1 million from January to September, nearly triple last year’s total. Active Living: More than 5,500 runners have registered for the Dhiraagu Maldives Road Race on November 20, a record for the event. Consumer Safety: The MFDA warns that health claims on some locally made foods lack scientific backing and says laboratory reports cannot be used to promote health benefits. Youth Health: A study of 418 students found stress, anxiety and sleep problems most common in Grades 10–12, while separate research found 28% of surveyed MNU students use e-cigarettes. Mental Health: A community wellbeing center has opened in Kulhudhuffushi to provide early support, as the government works on a comprehensive Mental Health Act.

Consumer Safety: The Maldives Food and Drug Authority warned shoppers not to trust unverified health claims on locally made foods, saying disease-cure claims and the use of lab reports in food advertising breach regulations. Youth Mental Health: A study of 418 students found stress, anxiety and sleep problems most common in Grades 10–12, with bullying, isolation and academic pressure among the factors; researchers called for regular screening and better support. Vaping: Research found 28% of 397 MNU students use e-cigarettes, including 4.5% daily, and urged targeted awareness for young people. Mental Health Services: Kulhudhuffushi has opened Manas Hub, a community center offering early support, while the President says work is under way on a comprehensive Mental Health Act. Access to Care: Visiting eye specialists from India are consulting at EyeCare Hospital in Malé through October 15, with Aasandha and other insurance accepted. Medical Travel: Dollars sold for overseas treatment reached USD 41.1 million by September, up from USD 18.51 million in the previous year, raising questions about the sharp increase.

Emergency Care: The government says a long-delayed helicopter service could launch soon, with safety rules being finalized and medical evacuations among its intended uses. Mental Health: Kulhudhuffushi has opened Manas Hub, a community centre offering early support, especially for young people. President Muizzu says work is under way on a comprehensive Mental Health Act and wider access to regional and tele-mental health services. Specialist Care: EyeCare Hospital is hosting visiting eye specialists from India until October 15, bringing consultations closer to patients in the Maldives. Cancer Awareness: First Lady Sajidha Mohamed urged women not to delay screening or medical advice, saying early breast cancer detection can widen treatment options and improve the chance of recovery.

Island Medical Access: A long-delayed helicopter service is expected to launch soon, with medical evacuations from islands without airports among its aims. The government says it is following UK civil aviation safety guidelines, with arrangements expected within one to two weeks. Mental Health: Kulhudhuffushi has opened Manas Hub, a community centre offering early mental health support, particularly for young people. President Mohamed Muizzu says work is underway on a comprehensive Mental Health Act and expanded services, including care through primary health centres and telehealth. Specialist Care: Visiting eye doctors from India’s Chaithanya Eye Hospital are consulting at EyeCare Hospital in Malé until October 15, with Aasandha and other insurance accepted. Cancer Awareness: First Lady Sajidha Mohamed urged women to seek medical advice and screening without delay, saying early breast cancer detection can offer more treatment options and a better chance of recovery.

Specialist Eye Care: EyeCare Hospital is hosting two visiting specialists from India’s Chaithanya Eye Hospital from October 11–15, with consultations and screening in Malé; Aasandha and other insurance coverage applies. Mental Health: A community wellbeing centre has opened in Kulhudhuffushi, offering early support based on Australia’s headspace model. President Mohamed Muizzu says work is underway on a comprehensive Mental Health Act, alongside plans to expand regional, primary-care and tele-mental health services. Breast Cancer Awareness: First Lady Sajidha Mohamed urged women not to delay medical advice or screening, saying early detection can widen treatment options and improve the chances of recovery. Healthy Eating: Addu’s culinary festival included school activities promoting food hygiene and healthy meals, reaching 120 students across seven schools.

Mental Health: President Mohamed Muizzu says work is underway on a comprehensive Mental Health Act, alongside plans to expand care through primary health services, regional specialists and telehealth. Eye Care: EyeCare Hospital is hosting visiting specialists from India’s Chaithanya Eye Hospital from October 11–15, with Aasandha and other insurance accepted for consultations. Hospital Leadership: ADK Hospital has appointed Dr. Adeel Shareef as Deputy Managing Director, following his work in clinical care, strategy and service improvement. Healthy Eating: Addu’s Culinary Festival featured school activities on food hygiene and healthy meals, reaching 120 students across seven schools. Cancer Awareness: First Lady Sajidha Mohamed urged women not to delay medical advice or screening, stressing that early breast cancer detection can widen treatment options. Community Care: BML is supporting a mental-health rehabilitation programme in Hulhumalé that has reached more than 100 people and their families. Diving Safety: Italian post-mortem findings say five divers who died in a Maldives cave in May died from oxygen deprivation; how they became unable to ascend remains unclear.

Mental Health: President Mohamed Muizzu says people’s lived experiences should shape care, as the government works on a comprehensive Mental Health Act and plans to expand services, including through primary care and telehealth. Eye Care: EyeCare Hospital will host visiting specialists from India’s Chaithanya Eye Hospital in Malé from October 11–15, with Aasandha and other insurance accepted for consultations. Healthcare Leadership: ADK Hospital has appointed Dr. Adeel Shareef as Deputy Managing Director, bringing clinical and health leadership experience to the role. Breast Cancer: First Lady Sajidha Mohamed urged women to seek advice and screening without delay, noting early detection can offer more treatment options and improve the chance of recovery. Healthy Eating: Addu’s three-day culinary festival included food hygiene and healthy-meal activities for 120 students across seven schools. Community Support: Bank of Maldives is supporting a mental-health rehabilitation programme in Hulhumalé that has reached more than 100 people and their families.

Breast Cancer: First Lady Sajidha Mohamed urged women to seek medical advice and screening without delay, saying early detection can widen treatment options and improve the chance of recovery. Mental Health: BML is supporting the Zaytun rehabilitation programme in Hulhumalé, which helps people build life skills, reconnect with their communities and reduce stigma. Diving Safety: Italian post-mortem findings say five divers who died exploring an underwater cave in Vaavu Atoll in May died from oxygen deprivation; why they could not ascend remains unclear. Pilgrim Health: Umrah pilgrims can now get required vaccinations free at health facilities across the atolls, not only in Malé. Youth Fitness: Registration is open for the Dhiraagu Maldives Junior Open, including a Para/Special Olympics category, promoting sport for young people of all abilities.

Diving Safety: Italian post-mortem findings say five divers who died in a Maldives underwater cave in May succumbed to oxygen deprivation after their tanks ran out. Investigators have yet to establish why they could not surface. Cancer Awareness: First Lady Sajidha Mohamed urged women to seek medical advice and screening without delay, saying early breast cancer detection can widen treatment options and improve recovery chances. Mental Health: BML backed a Hulhumalé rehabilitation programme offering life-skills support and community outreach to people with mental-health needs and their families; it has reached more than 100 people. Travel Health: Umrah pilgrims can now receive required vaccinations free at health centres or hospitals on their home islands, rather than travelling to Malé. Road Safety: Police say a young man charged over a fatal Malé crash was driving under the influence of alcohol. The 26-year-old victim died after five days in hospital.

Road Safety: Police say the unlicensed driver in a Malé crash that killed 26-year-old Aishath Maahidha was intoxicated; he has been remanded pending trial. Breast Cancer: First Lady Sajidha Mohamed urged women to seek medical advice and screening without delay, saying early detection can widen treatment options and improve the chance of recovery. Mental Health: The Maldivian Nurses Association’s Zaytun rehabilitation programme, backed by BML, supports people and families with coping skills, community awareness and social reintegration; activities have reached more than 100 people in Hulhumalé. Vaccination Access: Umrah pilgrims outside Malé can now get required influenza, meningitis and polio vaccines free at their nearest health centre or hospital. Youth Wellness: Registration is open for the Dhiraagu Maldives Junior Open badminton tournament, including a Para/Special Olympics category to encourage participation and active lifestyles.

Breast Cancer: First Lady Sajidha Mohamed urged women to seek medical advice promptly and not delay screening, stressing that early detection can expand treatment options and improve recovery prospects. Mental Health: Bank of Maldives support is helping the Maldivian Nurses Association’s Zaytun programme provide rehabilitation, life-skills training and community outreach in Hulhumalé, with stigma reduction a key goal. Vaccination Access: Umrah pilgrims can now receive free influenza, meningitis and polio vaccinations at health facilities across the atolls, not just in Malé. Regional Health Leadership: The Maldives is among the countries expected to nominate a candidate for the WHO South-East Asia regional director post. Eye Care: An EyeCare cataract camp has concluded in Thinadhoo.

Medical Travel: Thailand is reviewing a 1,000-baht air departure tax that could raise costs for Maldivians travelling there for treatment, holidays or shopping. Mental Health: BML is backing the Maldivian Nurses Association’s Zaytun rehabilitation programme in Hulhumalé, which supports people and families with coping and life skills and works to reduce stigma. Vaccination Access: Umrah pilgrims can now get required influenza, meningitis and polio vaccines free at health facilities in their home islands, ahead of November departures. Road Safety: Four of five people injured in a Hulhumalé motorcycle crash remain in serious condition; police say one bike was likely stolen and its driver lacked the required licence. A separate Malaysian crash killed a Maldivian student; the e-hailing driver tested positive for methamphetamine. Health Leadership: The Maldives is among countries expected to nominate candidates for the vacant WHO South-East Asia regional director post.