Minister of Health Dr. Abdulla Khaleel has participated in the 12th High-Level Officials Meeting (HLOM) of the Asia Pacific Regional Forum on Health and Environment (APRFHE), as the Head of Delegation of the Maldives.
The forum will focus on discussing potential strategies that can be implemented in response to health and environmental emergencies. The Ministry of Health stated that the forum plays a crucial role in enhancing the intergovernmental collaboration of the Maldives to tackle these pressing challenges. Additionally, the forum will also oversee preparations for the 5th Ministerial Meeting which is scheduled to take place on 26 September.
Furthermore, the APRFHE forum emphasises knowledge-sharing and policy advocacy to protect health from environmental risks, promoting a comprehensive approach aligned with global frameworks. The Health Ministry stated that this forum presents the Maldives with an opportunity to gain technical expertise and resources, contributing to the development of sustainable and cost-effective healthcare and environmental policies.
The forum, established in 2004, is a key platform to discuss measures which can be implemented to address the complex relationship between environmental factors and public health outcomes across the Asia-Pacific region. The Ministry stated that Maldivian delegations will collaborate with delegations from the other countries within the region, to address their shared concerns.