The Maldives has enjoyed a long, fruitful and prosperous relationship with the World Health Organization (WHO), said Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid.

Minister Shahid stated this in his message of felicitation to the Director-General of WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on the occasion 75th anniversary of the Organization.

In his message, the Minister extended warm greetings and best wishes on behalf of the Government and people of Maldives, on the occasion of this year’s World Health Day, which also marks the 75th anniversary of World Health Organization, to Dr. Tedros.

Minister Shahid went onto say that this milestone presents with another opportunity to reflect on the achievements and progress we have made in the past 7 decades. As such, he noted that it gives the chance to boost investment towards addressing the core global health challenges.

Minister Shahid also noted that this gives the opportunity to weigh up on what more can be done to make access to quality health care a reality for all.

Furthermore, Minister Shahid highlighted that the Maldives has enjoyed a long, fruitful and prosperous relationship with the WHO. As such, he stated that WHO was the first UN agency to open an office in the Maldives in February 1965, having been active in the country even prior to independence.

Minister Shahid stated that the close partnership with WHO, over the past five decades has enabled Maldives to achieve great strides in health outcomes, and a healthy society.

The Maldivian Foreign Minister went onto say that Maldives is immensely grateful for the support provided by WHO over the years. He noted that WHO's support in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic was invaluable, including in strengthening the national health system, and mobilizing resources for future pandemic preparedness.

In his message, Minister Shahid also conveyed his personal good wishes for the health and well-being of Dr. Tedros and for the success of WHO’s journey to achieve Health For All.

He concluded the message by sending assurances of his highest consideration.