Maldives opens first Universal Health Coverage forum with support from WHO and ADB

The Maldives National Universal Health Coverage Forum opened on Saturday at Kurumba Maldives, marking the country’s first dedicated platform for strategic dialogue on health equity and system resilience.

The two-day event is jointly organized by the Ministry of Health, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The forum aims to strengthen national commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.8, which calls for universal access to quality health services without financial hardship. According to the Health Ministry, UHC means ensuring that everyone can access adequate health services wherever they live, without discrimination or exclusion.

Maldives National Forum on Universal Health Coverage officially opens today, bringing together government leaders, development partners, and experts to advance equity, resilience, and sustainability in health. #UHCMaldives pic.twitter.com/xoj9deyd0h

— Ministry of Health (@MoHmv) December 13, 2025

Over 100 participants are attending, including:

• Government agencies from Maldives, India, Bhutan, Indonesia, and the Philippines  

• UN agencies: WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, FAO, and IOM  

• Development partners: Global Fund, Gavi, World Bank, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), European Investment Bank (EIB), and Gates Foundation  

• Local stakeholders: Health professionals, private providers, educators, researchers, and civil society  

The Maldives has achieved a service coverage index of around 70 percent, reflecting strong progress in maternal and child health, life expectancy, and primary care. However, the Ministry noted persistent challenges:

• Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 84 percent of the disease burden  

• Health financing pressures, staffing shortages, and climate-related vulnerabilities  

• Reliance on expatriate health workers and gaps in digital infrastructure  

Today is UHC Day. Ministry of Health reaffirms our commitment to ensuring equitable, quality healthcare for every person, on every island. @WHOMaldives @ADB_HQ #UHCDay #Maldives#UniversalHealthCoverage pic.twitter.com/c670N8aqZp

— Ministry of Health (@MoHmv) December 12, 2025

The Ministry unveiled a UHC roadmap for 2026 - 2030, incorporating lessons from other countries and aligning with the government’s digital health transformation plan. The forum will produce:

• A UHC policy brief with priority recommendations  

• A resource and partnership map to guide future financing and collaboration  

• Strategic inputs for Maldives UHC Priorities 2025 - 2030

The sessions include expert panels, interactive discussions, and bilateral meetings focused on climate-resilient health systems, innovative financing, and digital health solutions.