UN Expert Says Migrant Health Must Remain Priority in Maldives

The health and protection of the migrant community remain central to the country’s public agenda, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to health, Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng, said on Thursday.

“A high number of migrant workers demands a focus on improving equitable access to health services, reducing vulnerabilities, and strengthening service delivery,” Mofokeng said in a statement issued at the end of her visit to the Maldives from 26 April to 7 May.

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The Special Rapporteur described the Maldives’ universal healthcare model as a positive step towards achieving the right to health for all, noting that the system aims to provide affordable and accessible healthcare for Maldivian nationals.

The #Maldives’ universal healthcare model is a positive step forward towards achieving the right to health for all, says UN expert @drtlaleng concluding her visit to 🇲🇻, calling for long-term vision to realise the right to health.https://t.co/GxqXYBX7jp pic.twitter.com/NpVNMtH3sA— UN Special Procedures (@UN_SPExperts) May 8, 2026

“The Maldives’ achievements in establishing a universal healthcare system, relying on modern science and medicine should be safeguarded,” she said.

Mofokeng also highlighted the need to improve access to essential medicines, including treatment related to mental health, palliative care and harm reduction services.

She called for an increase in the number of mental health practitioners, psychiatric nurses and doctors across the country.

According to the Special Rapporteur, non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory illnesses have overtaken infectious diseases as the leading causes of death and disability in the Maldives.

She also welcomed the formation of a joint committee involving the State Trading Organisation and other stakeholders to address pharmaceutical supply issues.

“In the wake of challenges related to health commodities and medical supplies, the joint committee formed by the State Trading Organisation and key actors to address pharmaceutical issues is a good initiative,” she said, adding that civil society representatives should also be included in discussions.

Mofokeng further stressed the importance of ensuring access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare, information and services.

She urged the government to strengthen inter-ministerial coordination and planning on issues including migrant workers, mental health, ageing, housing, food security and population changes.

“By uniting behind a coherent long-term shared vision, multisectoral governance and investing in primary-care focused on emerging needs such as non-communicable diseases, the Maldives can ensure future health system security and resilience,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Government welcomed the preliminary observations made by the Special Rapporteur following her visit.

In a statement released today, the Ministry said the Government facilitated meetings with stakeholders from the executive, parliament and judiciary, as well as visits to healthcare facilities in Malé, Dhaalu Atoll and Addu City.

The Government also welcomed the Rapporteur’s recognition of progress made in the Maldives’ universal healthcare system, vaccination programmes and efforts to strengthen regional healthcare delivery and accessibility.