The Maldives has launched a sweeping public health campaign aimed at tackling the country’s growing burden of lifestyle-related diseases, with First Lady Sajidha Mohamed calling for health to be placed at the heart of national development.
The Dhulhaheyo Dhiriulhun campaign — translated as Healthy Living, Prosperous Life — was unveiled this week by the Ministry of Health. It seeks to promote healthier eating habits, physical activity, and long-term wellbeing across all age groups, from schoolchildren to the elderly.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed said that “creativity, civilisation and happiness can only be achieved when health is made a national priority.” Her remarks framed the campaign not merely as a public health intervention, but as a cultural and moral imperative.
“A nation that prioritises health will develop stronger talent, creativity, and social harmony,” she said, adding that Islam places great emphasis on balanced living and the consumption of halal food. She also praised the public’s support for President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s Generational Tobacco Ban, describing it as a bold step towards a healthier future.
The campaign comes amid rising concern over non-communicable diseases in the Maldives, including diabetes and heart disease, which have been linked to poor diet and sedentary lifestyles. Officials hope the initiative will galvanise communities and institutions to take a more active role in promoting wellness.
Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim echoed the First Lady’s call for collective action, stating that the Ministry will work closely with local councils, schools, and civil society groups to ensure the campaign’s success.
To encourage participation, three awards have been introduced: the Rashu Award for island-level initiatives, the School Award for educational institutions, and the Jamiyyaa Award for community organisations. These honours aim to spotlight grassroots efforts and inspire broader engagement.
The campaign’s slogan — Dhulhaheyo Dhiriulhun, Ufaaveri Mujuthamau — reflects a growing recognition that health is not just a personal concern, but a national one. As the Maldives continues to modernise, the government is betting that a healthier population will be key to unlocking its social and economic potential.
