Maldives celebrated National Hepatitis Day innovatively and uniquely as WHO Maldives and Health Protection Agency joined forces with a young film maker Ms Ashwa Faheem to create the film ‘Neyngi Huttaa’ (in English: Whilst Unknown) to raise awareness and promote action on Viral Hepatitis, the world’s second most infectious disease killer. During the event, His Excellency Minister of Health launched the National Plan of Action on Viral Hepatitis, Treatment Guidelines for Hepatitis B and C in Maldives, and announced the initiation of Hepatitis treatment services nationwide. A Technical Advisory Group on Hepatitis was also declared at the gathering.
As a marketing and communication strategy, the event to celebrate Hepatitis Day was in turn transformed into a ‘Movie premiere’. Invitation cards were sent along to the attendees of the event with syringes, which the guests brought to the event and marked their attendance by safely disposing them at the entrance. Safe disposal of used syringes is an important step in preventing the spread of viral hepatitis.
Once the guests arrived, they were served popcorn in boxes that were branded with Hepatitis Advocacy messages. The esteemed guests including His Excellency Minister of Health Mr Abdulla Ameen, WHO Representative Dr Arvind Mathur, Deputy and State Ministers, newly appointed HPA Goodwill Ambassador for Hepatitis Ms Mariyam Maeesha, members of the diplomatic missions, medical and health professionals in the country and social media influencers then settled in to watch the premiere of the short film Neyngi Huttaa
Towards the end, guests were quizzed using the digital application Mentimeter on their knowledge of Hepatitis based on what they learned from watching the film. They were also questioned to check if they were aware that they have been vaccinated for Hepatitis, or not; in line with the moral from the movie.
Next, a panel discussion was held with speakers such as Minister of Health His Excellency Abdulla Ameen, WHO Representative Dr Arvind Mathur, Managing Director of ADK Hospital Mr Ahmed Afaal, Hepatitis expert from Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital Dr Shaheed and Health Protection Agency’s ’s Goodwill Ambassador for Viral Hepatitis Ms Mariyam Maeesha.
During the panel discussion His Excellency Minister of Health launched the National Plan of Action on Viral Hepatitis, Treatment Guidelines for Hepatitis B and C in Maldives, and announced the initiation of Hepatitis treatment services nationwide, a huge step towards a Hepatitis free future. Minister stated that not getting vaccinated for Hepatitis is not an option, and to be more aware of the benefits of vaccines.
WHO Representative Dr Arvind Mathur discussed WHO’s Global Health Sector Strategy on Viral Hepatitis which calls for Leadership, Partnership, Accountability, Monitoring and Evaluation to end Hepatitis by 2030.
The key interventions and practices of Private Hospitals to protect the Health workers from Hepatitis were highlighted by panelist Mr Ahmed Afaal, Managing Director at ADK. Mr Afaal believes in the importance of preventive care as opposed to curative care, which he encouraged the country to invest more on.
Panelist Dr Shaheed, Hepatitis expert from Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital discussed the importance of broadening access to treatment and care for Hepatitis in the Maldives, with the inclusion of the large migrant population to truly include Elimination of Hepatitis as part of Universal Health Coverage.
Last but not least, Singer and HPA’s Goodwill Ambassador for Hepatitis Ms Mariyam Maeesha performed a song which herself and her team wrote for the cause. Maeesha, popularly known as ‘Raalhu Mariyambu” was eager and determined to use her voice to address the missing millions; to combat the stigma and discrimination towards those suffering, and to use her platform to promote knowledge on prevention of Hepatitis to the youth in the country.
A National Technical Advisory Group on Hepatitis was also launched during the event, that included experts from the Health Sector and WHO.
WHO Maldives continues to collaborate with the Ministry of Health, high risk groups and the youth of the country through innovative means and methods, targeting quality treatment of Viral Hepatitis and elimination of the disease from the country.
