President Outlines Mental Health Reforms on World Mental Health Day

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu called today for mental health reforms driven by patients’ lived experiences, stressing that listening to those affected is vital to removing care barriers across the Maldives.

The President made the remarks in his official message for World Mental Health Day, observed under the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.” 

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In a statement on X, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to building a compassionate, accessible, and equitable healthcare framework tailored to community needs.

Highlighting ongoing structural reforms, he pointed to the implementation of the Mental Health Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029 in his message. In an official statement published on the President’s Office website, the administration also highlighted the implementation of the Dementia Strategic Action Plan 2026–2036.

In addition, the President also stated that work is underway on a National Mental Health Policy 2027–2037 and a comprehensive Mental Health Act to establish a firm legislative foundation for person-centred care. 

He announced that the government is actively developing national suicide prevention strategies along with regional service models. To expand national coverage, the administration is integrating mental healthcare directly into primary health services and training healthcare personnel throughout the atolls. 

These decentralised efforts are backed by the expansion of tele-mental health initiatives, specialised regional care facilities, dedicated infrastructure, and upgraded emergency crisis response systems to ensure rapid intervention, referral, and follow-up support.

The President emphasised that workplace and community awareness programmes remain vital to shifting public perception, calling on families, educational institutions, and employers to foster environments free of stigma where individuals can seek assistance with dignity and respect.

Echoing these national priorities, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed noted in a statement on X that mental well-being is profoundly influenced by daily interactions within homes, schools, and workplaces. She stressed that how society listens to and supports its members plays a pivotal role in shaping mental health outcomes across the country.

World Mental Health Day is observed globally every year on October 10 to raise awareness of mental health issues and mobilise international support for mental health care. First initiated in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health, the annual observance is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and international bodies as a key platform to promote psychological well-being, combat social stigma, and advocate for equitable, accessible care.

On #WorldMentalHealthDay, we reaffirm our commitment to building a compassionate, accessible and equitable mental health system, guided by the voices and lived experiences of those it serves, and tailored to the needs of our people. We are advancing this commitment through the Mental Health Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029, while working on policy and legislative reforms that include formulating a National Mental Health Policy and a comprehensive Mental Health Act. We are also improving access by integrating mental health into primary healthcare, strengthening regional and specialist services, and enhancing tele-mental health and crisis response systems. Our aim is to prioritise prevention and early intervention, ensure quality healthcare is within reach, and build a kinder and caring Maldives, one island, one community, and one honest conversation at a time. #WorldMentalHealthDay— Dr Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) October 10, 2026

Mental health is shaped by the care we receive, by the communities we live in and the people who surround us. It is shaped every day in our homes, schools, workplaces and communities. The way we listen and support one another can make a profound difference. On #WorldMentalHealthDay, let us recognise that those who face mental health challenges bring invaluable insight into what meaningful support truly looks like. We must also change the language we use and the attitudes we hold towards mental health, while encouraging individuals to seek help, and raise awareness that support is available to anyone who needs it. Let us stop the stigma and build an environment where people feel heard and supported. #WorldMentalHealthDay— First Lady Sajidha Mohamed (@sajidhaamohamed) October 10, 2026