Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali has emphasised that sustainable and strategically directed investment is essential to building resilient healthcare systems capable of protecting communities and responding effectively to future public health challenges.
Minister Geela delivered the message while participating in the Global Leadership Dialogue at the UNITE Global Summit 2026 in Manila, Philippines. The high-level discussion examined the role of political leaders in increasing strategic investment in healthcare and strengthening the long-term capacity of national health systems.
Addressing international leaders and health-sector stakeholders, Minister Geela highlighted that sustained financial commitments must be accompanied by effective collaboration among governments, healthcare institutions, development partners and international organisations. She noted that coordinated action and responsible investment are fundamental to improving public health services, strengthening primary healthcare and ensuring that health systems remain prepared for emerging and future challenges.
The Minister’s participation provided an important platform to present the Maldives’ perspective on sustainable health financing and resilient healthcare development. As a geographically dispersed island nation, the Maldives requires continued investment in accessible and reliable healthcare services that can meet the needs of communities across the country. Strengthening primary healthcare, improving institutional capacity and ensuring the continuity of essential services remain central to building a health system that can serve the population effectively under changing circumstances.
The Government of Maldives continues to place strong emphasis on developing a responsive and sustainable healthcare system that delivers quality services throughout the country. Strategic investment in primary healthcare can help strengthen early diagnosis, disease prevention, community-level care and timely access to treatment, while also reducing pressure on larger hospitals and specialised facilities.
Minister Geela’s remarks further reflected the importance of viewing healthcare investment as a long-term national priority rather than solely as a response to immediate health emergencies. Sustainable financing enables countries to develop a skilled health workforce, strengthen disease surveillance, improve medical infrastructure and maintain the systems required to respond rapidly when public health threats arise.
The UNITE Global Summit 2026, being held from 3 to 4 August under the theme “Bridging the Health Divide: Political Courage to Invest,” brings together political leaders, parliamentarians, health experts, development institutions and other international stakeholders. The summit focuses on strengthening healthcare systems, improving health outcomes and reinforcing political commitments and investments across the global health sector.
Discussions at the summit are expected to support closer international cooperation and encourage political leaders to translate health priorities into sustainable policies, financing commitments and institutional reforms. The gathering also provides participating countries with opportunities to exchange experiences, identify areas for collaboration and strengthen partnerships capable of supporting more equitable and resilient healthcare systems.
During her visit to Manila, Minister Geela also met with Pandemic Fund Executive Head Priya Basu. Their discussions focused on the Maldives’ continuing efforts to strengthen national preparedness for pandemics and enhance the country’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to serious public health threats.
Minister Geela highlighted the Maldives’ role on the Pandemic Fund’s Governing Board, where the country serves as the representative for the South-East Asia region. The representation provides the Maldives with an opportunity to contribute to international discussions on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response while presenting the priorities and concerns of countries within the region.
The engagement with the Pandemic Fund also underscores the Government’s commitment to strengthening national health security through international cooperation, technical partnerships and sustainable investment. Improved pandemic preparedness can contribute to stronger surveillance systems, better coordination among relevant institutions, enhanced laboratory and response capacity, and greater protection for communities during future health emergencies.
The Maldives’ participation in the UNITE Global Summit demonstrates the Government’s active engagement in shaping international discussions on healthcare financing, health equity and pandemic preparedness. It also reinforces the country’s commitment to working with regional and global partners to strengthen healthcare delivery and build a more resilient, accessible and sustainable health system for future generations.
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