First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed attended the opening ceremony of the “Fahi Sihhath Health Fair”. The fair marks World Health Day and was held this Friday at Artificial Beach.
The one-day fair is run in collaboration with Maldives National University (MNU), World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
Speaking in the opening ceremony, MNU Vice Chancellor Dr Aishath Shehenaz Adam said that MNU’s fair was in line with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s vision for a healthy society. The campaign demonstrates how everyone works together to tackle dangerous or non-communicable diseases, promote healthy lifestyles and build sustainable communities for future generations, through education, participation and empowerment, the Vice-Chancellor said.
WHO representative Dr Padmal De Silva and UNICEF Deputy Representative Mr E.C. Finegold also addressed the event. Both commended the Maldives’ successes in the health sector as well as lessons from this year’s theme for World Health Day.
Following the opening ceremony, the First Lady toured the various exhibits at the Fair.
In addition to WHO and UNICEF, all departments of MNU Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, Dhamanaveshi, Care Society, Cancer Society of Maldives, Diabetic Society of Maldives, Health Protection Agency, Hulhumalé Hospital, Society for Health Education and Swim Maldives have exhibits. Health screening services are also to be provided in the Fair.
The Fair is to be held in two sessions, with the evening session to be held from 1600hrs to 1800hrs and the night session from 2000hrs to 2200hrs.
This year’s World Health Day theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”, underscores national efforts and commitment towards improving maternal and child health. Ensuring the well-being of every citizen is essential for any nation’s prosperity.