First Lady Calls for Proactive Approach to Asthma Management

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has called on society as a whole to move beyond reactive treatment and adopt a proactive approach to asthma management. 

She made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the World Asthma Day 2026 Symposium.

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In her speech, the First Lady highlighted the burden of asthma in the Maldives, noting particularly high rates of paediatric asthma and a significant number of asthma-related hospital visits.

First Lady @sajidhaamohamed attends the opening ceremony of the World Asthma Day 2026 Symposium.

The symposium, held at Dharumavantha Hospital, was organised by the National Centre for Respiratory Medicine. Observed on 5 May, this year's World Asthma Day theme is "Access to… pic.twitter.com/96OVy4gvnc— The President's Office (@presidencymv) May 9, 2026

She drew attention to the impact of pollution, poor air quality and changing weather patterns on respiratory health, identifying them as major contributors to the rising burden of respiratory diseases, as recognised by the World Health Organization.

Sajidha also noted that conditions such as atopy, allergies and eczema are common in the Maldives and are believed to contribute significantly to asthma prevalence. She said environmental factors are known to trigger or worsen such conditions.

Referring to this year’s World Asthma Day theme, “Access to anti-inflammatory inhalers for everyone with asthma – Still an urgent need,” Sajidha Mohamed called for an end to the stigma and misinformation surrounding inhaler use.

She stated that inhalers are safe, effective and non-addictive, adding that they help improve asthma control, reduce flare-ups and enhance quality of life.

Highlighting progress made in the Maldives, the First Lady pointed to the establishment of specialised services, including tobacco cessation clinics and sleep laboratories, as part of a broader and more holistic approach to patient care.

However, she said respiratory care services remain underutilised across the islands, with many people delaying medical evaluation until emergencies occur instead of managing their health proactively.

She concluded by expressing hope that the symposium would encourage not only discussion but meaningful action, and strengthen efforts to build a healthier and happier Maldives.