President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening mental health services across the Maldives, while First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has highlighted the importance of protecting the psychological well-being of senior citizens and ensuring they can lead happy and fulfilling lives.
Marking World Mental Health Day, President Muizzu said the Government was working towards a compassionate, accessible and equitable mental health care system that prioritises prevention, early intervention and quality treatment.
In a message shared on social media, the President said mental health policies and services would be shaped by the voices and experiences of people who use them, ensuring that care responds to the needs of Maldivian communities.
He highlighted the Mental Health Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029 as a key framework guiding the Government’s efforts, alongside ongoing policy and legislative initiatives, including the development of a National Mental Health Policy and a comprehensive Mental Health Act.
The President also underscored plans to expand access to mental health care by integrating services into primary health care, strengthening regional and specialist facilities, and improving tele-mental health services and crisis response systems.
He stressed that prevention and early intervention must remain central to the national approach, alongside ensuring that people can access quality mental health care when they need it.
President Muizzu added that the broader goal was to create a kinder and more caring society where people support one another and feel comfortable discussing mental health without fear or stigma.
Meanwhile, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has emphasised that the well-being of senior citizens must remain an important priority as the Maldives works towards building a healthier and more inclusive society.
Speaking as the guest of honour at a gathering for senior citizens in Kaashidhoo, Kaafu Atoll, held in conjunction with World Mental Health Day, the First Lady highlighted mental well-being as an essential part of overall health, particularly for older people.
She described senior citizens as respected pillars of society whose sacrifices and contributions had helped shape the nation. Caring for and honouring them, she said, was also a fundamental value emphasised by Islam.
“We wish to see a Maldives where senior citizens experience happiness and smiles,” Sajidha said.
The First Lady noted that the number of senior citizens’ centres across the country had increased in recent years. She praised the activities conducted at these centres and expressed hope that they would continue expanding their role in reducing loneliness, encouraging social interaction and promoting positive mental health among older people.
The gathering featured a special forum titled “Issrahvehinge Sallaa” (Senior Citizens’ Dialogue), organised by the National Mental Health Department and attended by Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali.
During the forum, National Mental Health Department Director General Fathimath Leena discussed the psychological changes associated with ageing, stressing that social inclusion, community participation and attentive listening were essential to supporting the mental well-being of elderly people.
“Instead of viewing the elderly merely as people who need assistance, acknowledging that their experience and knowledge are invaluable... will undoubtedly bring meaningful positive change to their lives,” she said.
The programme concluded with interactive discussions in which participants shared personal experiences, an educational session on dementia and cognitive health, and physical activities designed specifically for senior citizens.
The President’s commitment to strengthening mental health services and the First Lady’s call for greater attention to elderly well-being reflect a broader focus on making mental health care more accessible while building supportive communities where people of all ages can live with dignity and a stronger sense of belonging.
