Health Minister Geela Ali has underlined the need for multi-sector plans to protect against future health emergencies during a World Health Organization regional meeting in the Maldives.
The five-day WHO Regional Review Committee Meeting on Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Health Security brought together officials from South-East Asian countries. Discussions focus on reviewing the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework, the Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats initiative, and work by the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System.
Minister Geela, who also serves on the WHO Pandemic Fund Board for the region, stressed regional solidarity, stronger health systems and multi-sector planning. Key priorities for the Maldives include aligning national laboratory capacity with regional roadmaps for 2026-2031, improving surveillance of influenza and severe acute respiratory infections, and enhancing international technical support.
Participation in the meeting is expected to strengthen local preparedness, laboratory networks and clinical research capacity through cooperation with agencies such as the UK Health Security Agency.
The Ministry of Health said hosting the regional review provides significant benefits for a small island nation facing specific vulnerabilities.
The discussions aim to translate global lessons into practical national measures.
