World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to the Maldives, Dr. Nazneen Anwar has commended the government of Maldives for the successful progress of its Covid-19 inoculation drive.

The WHO Representative paid a courtesy call on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at the President’s Office on Tuesday, where she applauded the Maldives for the execution of its well-timed, strategic interventions against the Covid-19 pandemic.

She went on to commend the island nation for achieving the vaccination goal of reaching 70 percent of the population, “well ahead” of other countries in the region.

Expressing his gratitude to Dr. Anwar for the exemplary efforts of WHO, the president stated that WHO too had extended crucial support to Maldives during the Covid-19 pandemic .

The president went on to highlight the “invaluable” cooperation received from WHO in providing support for vulnerable groups and those suffering from substance abuse.

Speaking further on the topic , he added that Maldives now need to focus more on psychological support.

Highlighting on the lack of trained and experienced psychiatrists for mental health patients throughout the region, the WHO representative added that the WHO-led Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) is designed to address the concern.

In addition, she noted that the organization is working alongside the Ministry of Education on a pilot project to create awareness among students.

She also stressed on the significance of incorporating such programs within the school curriculum and added that several new initiatives are focused on the school level.

President Solih said that Maldives highly values the relationship with the WHO, and Dr. Anwar expressed her gratitude for the hospitable and conducive working environment facilitated by the Maldivian government.