President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting cancer patients and their families, marking World Cancer Day with a message of solidarity, compassion, and renewed action.
In his statement, the President paid tribute to the strength of individuals battling cancer and the families who stand by them, noting that every diagnosis represents a deeply personal journey. He acknowledged that as cancer cases continue to rise, many Maldivian families are confronted not only with emotional hardship but also with the financial burden of long-term treatment.
President Dr Muizzu highlighted ongoing initiatives under the National Cancer Control Plan 2022–2026, which aims to improve prevention, early detection, treatment, and palliative care services. Key measures include the establishment of a national cancer registry, strengthened primary healthcare services, tobacco control efforts, and continued cooperation with international partners.
He also pointed to the introduction of chemotherapy services at Un’goofaaru Regional Hospital in January 2026 as a significant step towards decentralising cancer care and making essential oncology services more accessible to patients living outside Malé.
Commending the dedication of healthcare workers and non-governmental organisations, the President acknowledged their role in advocating for patients and providing critical support and guidance. He called for sustained collective effort, stressing that every life matters and every cancer story deserves attention.
Echoing his message on his official X account, the President reflected on the lives lost to cancer each year and underscored the urgent need to strengthen awareness, prevention, and coordinated action nationwide.
First Lady Sajidha Mohamed also shared a message of support on her official X account, expressing solidarity with patients, survivors, and caregivers, and urging unity in building a future free from the devastating impact of cancer.
World Cancer Day is marked annually on 4 February to promote global awareness of cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.
Meanwhile, Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has raised serious concern over the increasing number of cancer cases in the Maldives, warning that the trend poses a growing threat to national productivity and societal wellbeing.
Speaking at the opening of a World Cancer Day symposium, the Minister said cancer prevention and control require a coordinated and strategic national response. He noted that approximately 1,900 patients have been registered in the National Register of Cancer Diseases since 2017, with cases recorded between 2017 and 2025—an average of more than 230 new registrations each year.
“This means a new cancer case is recorded almost every two or three days. This is extremely alarming,” the Minister said, urging relevant authorities to intensify collaboration on prevention and response measures.
He emphasised that addressing cancer must begin with reliable and comprehensive data collection, alongside the mobilisation of resources to expand healthcare services and encourage healthier lifestyles.
Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim stressed that uncoordinated or ad-hoc responses would not be effective, noting that cancer has far-reaching consequences beyond health, including a significant impact on productivity and social stability.
He added that the government is advancing cancer control efforts in line with national health policy, including strengthening governance and resourcing of cancer-related services through the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and the national social protection system. Recent tobacco control measures were also highlighted as part of broader cancer prevention strategies.
The Minister reiterated that prevention must be prioritised alongside treatment, underscoring the importance of public awareness initiatives such as World Cancer Day, observed each year on 4 February.
