AGP Executive Report

Bullying crackdown: President Dr. Muizzu says Maldives is drafting new legislation to make bullying a criminal offence, with clear reporting rules, enforcement steps, anti-bullying education in schools, and expanded mental health support (including Aasandha coverage and a new mental health facility). Blood safety upgrade: Maldives introduced nucleic acid testing (NAT) to detect HIV, hepatitis B and C earlier, strengthening transfusion safety and aligning blood services with international standards. Organ transplant law: The Human Organ Transplant Act now bans prisoner organ donations and sets oversight bodies, procedures, and penalties to regulate transplant services. Youth wellbeing focus: In a Pulse podcast, the President highlighted youth empowerment through education, jobs, entrepreneurship, sports infrastructure, and mental health services. Mosquito-borne disease watch: Hong Kong health officials reported dengue updates, noting an imported case linked to travel to the Maldives during the incubation period and urging bite and breeding prevention. School-trip justice: Parents of a British teen killed on a Maldives school trip are suing after nearly two years without justice, alleging negligence in the incident.

Blood Safety Upgrade: Maldives introduces nucleic acid testing (NAT) for donated blood, aiming to detect HIV and hepatitis B/C earlier and cut the “window period,” strengthening transfusion safety nationwide. Mosquito-Borne Alert: Hong Kong health officials report rising dengue risk linked to summer heat and rainfall; one imported dengue case involved travel to the Maldives during the incubation period, with residents urged to prevent mosquito bites and breeding. Youth & Mental Wellbeing: President Dr. Muizzu says youth empowerment stays central, with plans spanning education, jobs, entrepreneurship, sports infrastructure, and broader mental health support for young people. Women’s Wellness Retreat: Six Senses Kanuhura launches “The Yin Way” retreat (Oct 1–4) focused on women’s wellbeing across life stages, using rest and cyclical “yin” principles alongside integrative health guidance. World Wellness Weekend in Maldives: 47 venues across the Maldives will host free wellness activities (Sept 18–20), including zumba, touch therapy, herbal oil blending, and beach clean-ups. Coral Restoration & Learning: Villa Nautica and diveOceanus begin a citizen science coral restoration programme with Finland International School, tracking coral growth over time. Safety & Accountability: Parents of a British teen who died after a boat propeller incident during a Maldives school trip file a lawsuit, seeking accountability and prevention for future trips.

World Wellness Weekend: Maldives will host World Wellness Weekend from 18–20 September 2026 across 47 venues, with free activities for guests and local communities, including movement, touch-based relaxation, herbal oil blending, and beach clean-ups. Coral & Climate Health: A new US-led study links major global coral bleaching to human-driven climate change as the main driver, warning that without climate change, mass bleaching would be rare. Maldives-India Fitness Push: India and the Maldives sign MoUs to set up fitness centres on 42 islands, with grant support aimed at expanding wellness access nationwide. Safety & Accountability: Parents of a 15-year-old British girl who died after a boat propeller incident during a Maldives snorkelling trip have filed a negligence lawsuit against her school, renewing calls for safer fieldtrip protocols. Medicine Safety: WHO alerts Pakistan’s regulator about counterfeit blood cancer medicines, with some affected batches traced to the Maldives. Scuba Risk: A 31-year-old woman died while scuba diving off Tioman Island in Malaysia; police report an arterial gas embolism as the cause. Nutrition & Health Research: A review highlights iron deficiency anemia from epidemiology to prevention and treatment, underscoring ongoing micronutrient gaps. Marine Restoration: Villa Nautica and diveOceanus launch a coral restoration and citizen science programme with Finland International School, tracking coral growth over time. Travel Wellness Tech: A new VR pilot training simulator is set to expand pilot readiness across South Asia, supporting safer operations as helicopter fleets grow.

Fitness for islands: Maldives and India signed MoUs to equip fitness and recreation centres across 42 islands, with a focus on women, girls and youth—an effort aimed at boosting healthier lifestyles and community well-being. Dengue and flu update: Maldives’ Health Protection Agency reported fewer dengue, influenza-like illness and diarrhoea cases in June, but warned dengue transmission is still active in some islands and urged mosquito-breeding control and safe hygiene. Coral care in action: Villa Nautica and diveOceanus launched a coral restoration and citizen science programme with Finland International School, training students to track coral health over months using recorded data. Health safety alert: Pakistan’s DRAP issued warnings about counterfeit blood-cancer medicines (including batches traced to the Maldives), urging vigilance around Jakavi and Darzalex products. School trip tragedy: Parents of a 15-year-old British girl who died after a boat propeller incident during a Maldives field trip filed a negligence lawsuit against her school, seeking accountability. Wellness tourism: The Standard, Maldives marked Wellness Month with mindful movement, spa experiences and a month-long healthy culinary programme. Travel access note: Visa-free/visa-on-arrival lists continue to circulate for different passport holders, with travellers reminded to confirm entry rules case by case. Private island stays: Go Ocean launched private island buyout experiences for fully customized group travel, including wellness escapes and celebrations.

Fitness & Community Health: Maldives and India signed MoUs to equip fitness and recreation centres across 42 islands under India’s HICDP grant, with a focus on women, girls and youth—aiming to make healthier lifestyles easier to access island-wide. Public Health Watch: The Health Protection Agency reports dengue, influenza-like illness and diarrhoea declined in June versus May, but dengue transmission is still active on several islands, so prevention (mosquito control, repellents, safe food and handwashing) remains key. Safety & Accountability: Parents of a 15-year-old British-Singaporean, Jenna Chan, who died in the Maldives after being hit by a boat propeller during a snorkelling field trip, have sued her school for alleged negligence, highlighting the need for stronger safety checks on school excursions. Medicine Safety: Pakistan’s DRAP issued alerts about counterfeit blood cancer medicines, noting affected batches traced to the Maldives—an urgent reminder for healthcare providers to verify supply chains. Sports & Wellness Lifestyle: Dhiraagu Malé Open Swimming Competition registration closes 31 July, with races from 250m to 1km plus a new 500m team relay—supporting active, marine-friendly recreation. Tourism & Wellness Culture: The Standard, Maldives (Hyatt) marks Wellness Month in August with mindful movement, spa renewal and a month-long healthy culinary programme at Joos Café.

Health & Safety (Medicines): Pakistan’s DRAP issued a rapid alert over falsified blood-cancer medicines, naming counterfeit Jakavi tablets and Darzalex injections, with reports tracing affected batches to the Maldives—urging hospitals and patients to treat listed batch numbers as unsafe. Public Health (Maldives): The Health Protection Agency reported fewer dengue, influenza-like illness, and diarrhoea cases in June versus May, but warned dengue transmission is still active on some islands and urged continued mosquito-breeding control and hygiene. Community Fitness (Maldives-India): Maldives and India signed MoUs to equip fitness and recreation centres on 42 islands under India’s grant support, with a focus on women, girls, and youth to boost healthier lifestyles. Travel Health (Europe risk): UK travellers were warned about a triple threat of mosquito-borne viruses (West Nile, dengue, chikungunya) spreading across European holiday hotspots, with UKHSA noting rising travel-acquired cases in 2026. Sports (Maldives): Dhiraagu Malé Open Swimming Competition registration closes 31 July, with races from 250m to 1km plus a new 500m team relay to encourage open-water participation. Wellness Tourism (Maldives): The Standard, Maldives (Hyatt) launched a month-long Wellness Month with mindful movement, spa experiences, and a themed culinary programme. Legal/Accountability (Maldives trip): Parents of a 15-year-old British girl who died after a boat propeller incident during a Maldives field trip filed a negligence lawsuit against her school in Singapore.

Legal & Safety: Parents of 15-year-old Jenna Chan, who died after being struck by a boat propeller during a Maldives snorkelling field trip, have filed a negligence lawsuit against St Joseph’s Institution International, alleging failures in safety checks, supervision, and vetting of the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme. Public Health (Medicines): Pakistan’s DRAP issued alerts about counterfeit blood-cancer medicines (Darzalex and Jakavi), with reports tracing affected batches to the Maldives. Community Fitness: Maldives and India signed MoUs to equip fitness and recreation centres across 42 islands under India’s grant support, with a focus on women, girls, and youth. Disease Watch: Maldives HPA reported fewer dengue, influenza-like illness, and diarrhoea cases in June, but warned dengue transmission remains active in some islands. Wellness Tourism: The Standard, Maldives (Hyatt) launched a month-long Wellness Month with mindful movement, spa renewal, and a themed healthy culinary programme. Sports & Activity: Dhiraagu Malé Open Swimming Competition 2026 registration closes 31 July, with races from 250m to 1km plus a new 500m team relay. Travel Health Alert (UK): UKHSA data shows over 1,000 travel-associated illnesses so far in 2026, including Zika, dengue, chikungunya, malaria, and enteric fever—urging travellers to plan ahead.

Fake cancer medicines alert: WHO and Pakistan’s DRAP say counterfeit blood-cancer drugs (Darzalex and Jakavi) are circulating, with some batches traced to the Maldives—urging hospitals and patients to check authenticity. Island fitness push: Maldives and India signed MoUs to equip fitness and recreation centres on 42 islands, with a focus on women, girls and youth to boost healthier community life. Dengue and flu update: Maldives HPA reports fewer dengue, influenza-like illness and diarrhoea cases in June, but dengue transmission is still active in some islands—keep up mosquito control and hygiene. School trip safety lawsuit: Parents of a 15-year-old British girl killed by a boat propeller during a Maldives whale-shark excursion filed a negligence claim, spotlighting supervision and safety checks for marine activities. Open water swimming: Dhiraagu Malé Open Swimming Competition registration closes 31 July, with races from 250m to 1km plus a new 500m team relay. Wellness retreat: Angsana Velavaru announced “Sound Journeys” with Harriet Emily, a week-long sound-healing programme starting 17 September 2026. Local incident: A man was found dead inside a Hulhumalé Phase I guesthouse; police say the case is under investigation.

Fitness & Community Health: India and the Maldives signed MoUs to equip fitness and recreation centres on 42 islands, with a focus on women, girls and youth under India’s HICDP grant support. Public Health Watch: The Maldives Health Protection Agency reports June declines in dengue, influenza-like illness and diarrhoea, but says dengue transmission is still active in some islands—urging mosquito control and safe hygiene. Medicine Safety Alert: DRAP issued an alert over falsified blood cancer medicines, noting counterfeit DARZALEX and JAKAVI batches were found in the Maldives via unauthorized distributors. Sports & Marine Wellness: Dhiraagu Malé Open Swimming Competition 2026 registration closes 31 July for races at Rasfannu (including a new 500m team relay), promoting open-water swimming and marine protection. Health & Safety in Schools: Parents of a teenager who died during a 2024 Maldives school trip have filed a lawsuit against SJI International, alleging failures in safety assessment and supervision. Travel Health Reminder: UKHSA data shows imported mosquito-borne illnesses (including Zika, dengue and chikungunya) are rising among travellers—reinforcing repellent, protective clothing and travel precautions. Wellness Tourism: Angsana Velavaru announced “Sound Journeys” with Harriet Emily, a week-long sound healing retreat running 17–22 Sept 2026.

Fitness & Recreation Boost: Maldives and India signed an MoU under the HICDP to bring fitness and recreation equipment to centers across 42 islands, aiming to support healthier, more active lifestyles and wider inclusion for women, youth, and families. Mosquito-Related Health Watch: The Health Protection Agency reports dengue, influenza-like illness, and diarrhea declined in June, but dengue transmission is still active in several islands—urging continued mosquito-breeding control and hygiene. Imported Illness Alert for Travelers: UKHSA data shows more than 1,000 travel-associated illnesses in early 2026, including Zika, chikungunya, malaria, dengue, and enteric fever—prompting guidance on vaccines, repellents, and malaria prevention. Wellness Retreat in the Maldives: Angsana Velavaru announced “Sound Journeys with Harriet Emily,” a Sept 17–22 sound-healing retreat with sunrise/sunset and stargazing sound baths. Local Safety Update: A 50-year-old Maldivian man was found dead at a guesthouse in Hulhumalé Phase I; police say the case remains under investigation. Resort Wellness Offer: Centara launched an Emirates NBD cardholder deal for Maldives properties, bundling transfers, dining, and spa benefits until Sept 30, 2026.

Generational smoking ban: Ireland’s cabinet is considering a “generational” tobacco ban that would eventually make it illegal for young people to buy cigarettes, aiming to cut smoking rates to under 5% (17% currently smoke). Mosquito-borne travel warnings: UKHSA data shows imported illnesses are surging this summer—Zika (8 cases Jan–Jun, already above 2025), dengue (137 England cases), chikungunya (59), plus malaria (557 Jan–May)—with travellers urged to use repellent, cover up, and follow destination-specific vaccine and malaria tablet advice. Maldives measles update: The Maldives Health Protection Agency reports 144 measles cases so far, with weekly infections declining as targeted vaccination and contact tracing continue. Local health incident: A 50-year-old Maldivian man was found dead inside a guesthouse in Hulhumalé Phase I; police say the case is under investigation. Wellness in the resorts: Angsana Velavaru announces “Sound Journeys with Harriet Emily,” a week-long sound-healing retreat (Sep 17–22, 2026). Medicine supply focus: State Pharma says it prioritizes uninterrupted essential medicine availability, expanding pharmacies under its management and strengthening stock and supply systems.

Imported mosquito-borne illnesses: UKHSA data shows Zika, dengue, chikungunya and malaria cases linked to travel are already above last year’s totals, with travellers urged to use repellent, cover up and follow destination-specific guidance. Maldives measles update: The Health Protection Agency reports 23 new measles cases, bringing the total to 144, while weekly infections appear to be slowing after targeted vaccination and response measures. Local health system focus: State Pharma says it prioritises uninterrupted essential medicine supply over profits, expanding pharmacies under its management and improving stock, forecasting and distribution to reduce shortages. Wellness in the Maldives: Angsana Velavaru announces “Sound Journeys” with Harriet Emily, a week-long sound-healing retreat running Sept 17–22, 2026. Marine conservation: MSC Foundation expands its Ocean Cay Marine Conservation Center team, adding roles to strengthen coral restoration and reef education efforts. Tourism & comfort: Dusit Thani Maldives unveils refreshed villas in Baa Atoll, aiming for a lighter, more modern guest experience. Safety note for travellers: UKHSA also highlights “special precautions” for tourists as imported infections continue to rise.