The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has provided a USD 400,000 grant to the Maldives to strengthen the country’s health services, with a particular focus on building a more resilient and inclusive health system for communities spread across the island nation. The support is expected to reinforce the Maldives’ ongoing efforts to improve both the quality and accessibility of care for residents and visitors, further underpinning the country’s social and economic development, including its vital tourism sector.
The grant was announced during the first Maldives National Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Forum, convened under the WHO Health Impact Investment Platform. The funding will be directed towards key areas of the health system, including primary healthcare, strengthening referral systems between island health centres and regional hospitals, and building human resources for health. Investments will also focus on improving health information systems, enabling better data-driven planning and service delivery, and addressing the growing impact of climate change on the health sector an issue of particular importance for a low-lying archipelago facing sea level rise, changing weather patterns, and climate-sensitive diseases.
By prioritising primary healthcare and stronger referral pathways, the IsDB grant aims to reduce pressure on central hospitals and ensure that people living on outer islands can access timely and appropriate care closer to home. This is especially significant for the Maldives, where geography presents unique challenges for emergency transport, specialist access, and continuity of care. A more robust and integrated health network also contributes to strengthening confidence among international travellers and tourism partners, for whom reliable medical services are an important consideration when choosing a destination.
Held from 13 to 14 December, the UHC Forum brought together more than 100 participants from the Maldives and abroad, including policymakers, health professionals, development partners, and technical experts. Drawing on international experience and the Maldives’ own health sector digitalisation plans, the forum developed a roadmap for achieving Universal Health Coverage in the Maldives from 2026 to 2030. This roadmap is expected to guide future investments and reforms, ensuring that financial protection, equitable access, and quality of care remain central priorities as the health system evolves.
For the Maldives, the combination of targeted grant support, a clear UHC roadmap, and ongoing digital transformation of the health sector positions the country to enhance services in regional hospitals and island health centres, while building the capacity of healthcare workers and institutions. As the nation continues to welcome guests from around the world to its resorts and islands, these developments contribute to a safer, healthier environment for both Maldivians and international visitors, reinforcing the Maldives’ reputation as a destination that invests in the wellbeing of its people and guests alike.
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