Maldives Strengthens Healthcare Safety with New Waste Management Facilities
Medical waste systems installed on 21 Maldivian islands, completing a major public health project | Photo: JapaninMaldives
The Maldives has received new healthcare waste management facilities, equipment, and clean-energy vehicles for the Ministry of Health, marking the conclusion of a three-year initiative implemented by UNDP Maldives with funding from the Government of Japan.
The handover ceremony was held in Dhiffushi, Kaafu Atoll. The project, valued at USD 4.4 million, was carried out from 2022 to 2025 to enhance safer and more sustainable waste management systems across the country.
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Ambassador ISHIGAMI attended the completion ceremony for the Project for the Improvement of Infectious Waste Management in Southwest Asia funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNDP Maldives. @JapanAmbMV @UNDPMaldives @MoHmv
PR: https://t.co/6eboGnrRUG pic.twitter.com/G9pgC6nvQq— Embassy of Japan in Maldives (@JapaninMaldives) December 4, 2025
Through the programme, 21 healthcare waste management facilities were constructed nationwide, including the new Dhiffushi building inaugurated during the ceremony. Autoclaves were installed at Thuraakunu and Thakandhoo health centres, and 65 electric tricycles were provided to support clean-energy waste transportation within island communities.
The initiative also included capacity building, with 656 healthcare workers trained in waste handling, most of them women, in partnership with WHO.
The project further contributed to the digital development of the sector, supplying 270 computers and 40 network switches to reinforce a national digitalised waste management system. Additional health service equipment such as ECG machines and autoclaves was procured to support continuity of care across facilities.
Scenes from today in Dhiffushi!
With 21 new healthcare waste facilities, modern autoclaves, 65 electric tricycles, and upgraded digital systems, this nationwide effort is strengthening safety, dignity, and environmental protection across islands nationwide.
A day that brings… pic.twitter.com/C20t0DopJZ— UNDP Maldives (@UNDPMaldives) December 3, 2025
Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, Japan’s Ambassador Ishigami Rumiko, and UNDP Resident Representative Adnan Cheema delivered remarks at the event, highlighting the shared commitment to building resilient and environmentally conscious health systems. Participants also toured the Dhiffushi facility and inspected the electric vehicles and equipment now being deployed across islands.
The Ministry of Health, UNDP, and the Government of Japan state that efforts will continue to strengthen safe, sustainable, and gender-responsive healthcare waste management to protect both public and environmental health in the Maldives.
