This achievement reflects a strong collaboration between the Government of Maldives and the World Health Organization (Regional office and country office). WHO and WHO collaborating centre on blood safety Sri Lanka provided technical support throughout the development of the Master Plan, including field visits, assessments, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring strategic alignment with the Government's health priorities and the WHO's vision for universal health coverage.
The Master Plan outlines seven key strategic objectives:
- Establish robust policies and governance framework for Thalassemia Care
- Enhance early detection and prevention of Thalassemia
- Ensure the reliability and quality of transfusion services
- Optimize evidence based thalassemia care and treatment
- Develop tailored care and support services for older Thalassemia patients
- Digitalize Thalassemia care and management data into an integrated health information system
- Strengthen Human resources and research capacity
A key highlight of the Master Plan is the establishment of a dedicated thalassemia hospital in Hulhumale', demonstrating the government's commitment to providing comprehensive and accessible healthcare for all citizens. During the launching ceremony, the Health Minister, Mr. Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, signed an official agreement with an international vendor on behalf of the Maldivian government for the establishment of a thalassemia-dedicated Hospital in the island of Hulhumale’. The establishment of a dedicated thalassemia hospital marks a significant milestone in the fight against this genetic blood disorder in the Maldives, enhancing the quality and timeliness of care for individuals living with thalassemia.. This development demonstrates the government's commitment to providing comprehensive and accessible healthcare for all its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable members of society.
This collaborative effort is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of individuals with thalassemia in the Maldives. By improving access to quality care, reducing the disease burden through prevention, and strengthening the healthcare system, the Master Plan holds the promise of a brighter future for this vulnerable population. The success of the Master Plan hinges on continued collaboration between the Maldives government, WHO, and other key stakeholders, including civil society organizations and the private sector. Building upon this strong foundation, this collective effort can ensure the effective implementation of the plan and achieve its intended goals of improved health outcomes for individuals living with thalassemia.