First Lady Unveils Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Clinic in Dhiggaru

First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed has officially unveiled the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Clinic at the Health Centre in Meemu Atoll Dhiggaru. 

Following the unveiling, the First Lady toured the facility and inquired about the services provided. 

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After the tour, she signed the visitors’ book of the Dhiggaru Health Centre and was presented with a special gift on behalf of the Health Centre and the Dhiggaru Island Council. As part of her official visit to Dhiggaru, the First Lady is scheduled to attend a ceremony later this afternoon at Dhiggaru School, to mark World Diabetes Day.

First Lady Stresses the Link Between Wellness and Human Safety

In her address at the World Diabetes Day ceremony, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed underlined the critical role of wellness in safeguarding human lives. Reflecting on the Maldives’ health landscape, she noted that as the nation transitions from poverty to development, lifestyle and diet-related diseases have surged.

The First Lady pointed out that while communicable diseases once posed the primary health threat, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease now account for a growing share of health concerns. She attributed this shift to evolving dietary and lifestyle habits, including increased portion sizes, reduced physical activity, and changes in food consumption patterns that have accompanied the country’s economic prosperity.

As part of the ceremony, the First Lady inaugurated the “Lifestyle Intervention Programme,” an initiative designed to mitigate the risk of diabetes and other NCDs. The programme will screen individuals aged 16 and above in Dhiggaru, focusing on high-risk groups. Ten Dhiggaru residents have been trained as lifestyle coaches to support the initiative.

This year’s World Diabetes Day theme, “Diabetes and Well-being,” emphasises the interconnectedness of mental, physical, and social well-being, aligning with the broader goals of the newly launched programme.