AGP Executive Report

Mental Health & Rehab Tech: The Maldives is exploring AI to strengthen mental health assessments and expand drug rehabilitation support, with the National Drug Agency partnering China’s Yunnan University to develop culturally practical tools and training. Cancer Safety: Addu City is set to get the Maldives’ first dedicated cytotoxic cancer waste storage facility, with treatment and secure containment plans to reduce risks from chemotherapy waste. Diagnostics Access: STO has introduced GE HealthCare’s portable Vscan ultrasound system to bring basic scanning closer to patients, especially on smaller islands. Tobacco Control Push: Health Minister Geela Ali says the government’s tobacco cessation campaign is guided by research and expert consultation, including a generational ban route through schools and free cessation services across islands. Public Health Watch: Measles cases in the Maldives have risen to 226 after 10 new infections, underscoring the need for vaccination. Food & Youth Innovation: FAO, Sri Lanka’s education partners and HNB launched the World Food Day 2026 Youth Innovation Challenge to tackle agrifood system challenges with student-led solutions. Local Policy: Hinnavaru council plans an MVR 2,000 fee for deregistering from the residential registry starting Sept 1 to help slow population decline.

Mental Health & Rehab Tech: The National Drug Agency is partnering with China’s Yunnan University to explore AI tools for mental health assessments and to strengthen drug rehabilitation and psychological support, aiming to make care more accessible beyond Malé. Cancer Safety: Addu is set to get the Maldives’ first cytotoxic medical waste storage facility under an agreement involving the Environment Ministry, Addu Equatorial Hospital and WAMCO, targeting safer handling of chemotherapy waste. Diagnostics Access: STO has introduced GE HealthCare’s portable Vscan ultrasound system to bring scanning closer to patients, including on smaller islands. Tobacco Control Push: Health Minister Geela Ali says the generational smoking ban and expanded cessation services are being shaped through stakeholder consultation and research, with a five-year national campaign underway. Measles Update: Health Protection Agency reports 10 new Greater Malé measles cases, bringing confirmed totals to 226, with vaccination and isolation guidance continuing. Drug Rehab Capacity: NDA says over 10,000 people are affected by drug addiction and highlights the need to expand treatment and post-treatment reintegration support.

Measles Alert: The Health Protection Agency reports 10 new measles cases in Greater Malé, bringing this year’s total to 226, with vaccination efforts continuing (15,552 vaccinated so far) and guidance to seek care early, mask in facilities, and isolate if suspected. Tobacco Control Push: Health Minister Geela Ali says Maldives tobacco decisions are research-led, with a generational smoking ban routed through schools, free cessation services across islands, community focal points on every inhabited island, and a five-year national campaign plan. Cancer Waste Safety in Addu: An agreement will set up the Maldives’ first cytotoxic medical waste storage facility in Addu, treating chemotherapy waste safely and aiming to be operational within the year. Diagnostics Access: STO introduced GE HealthCare’s portable Vscan ultrasound system to help bring scanning beyond clinic rooms, including to smaller islands. Drug Rehab Support: The National Drug Agency signed an MoU with Yunnan University to explore AI for addiction treatment and mental health support, citing over 10,000 people affected. Health Workforce & Innovation: MNU opened Theveli 2026 with 330 research papers submitted, spanning health, science, AI, and society.

Tobacco Control Push: Health Minister Geela Ali says Maldives’ tobacco cessation and generational ban plans are being shaped through stakeholder consultation and technical research, with a five-year national campaign and expanded free quitting support rolling out island-wide. Cancer Safety Upgrade: Addu City is set to get the Maldives’ first cytotoxic waste management facility for chemotherapy waste, with treatment and sealed storage planned after an agreement among the Environment Ministry, Addu Equatorial Hospital and WAMCO. Diagnostics Access: STO has introduced GE HealthCare’s portable Vscan ultrasound system to bring scanning closer to patients, including on smaller islands, supported by trained local biomedical engineers. Measles Watch: Health Protection Agency reports measles cases rising to 226 after 10 new Greater Malé infections; vaccination is ongoing and officials urge prompt care and isolation for suspected cases. Drug Rehab Tech: The National Drug Agency signed an MoU with Yunnan University to explore AI for addiction treatment and mental health support, citing capacity and reintegration challenges. Health Training Links: China’s ambassador met Maldivian participants in a Sichuan medical training programme, with plans for more local medical professional training exchanges.

Cancer care safety: Addu City is set to build the Maldives’ first dedicated cytotoxic waste management facility after an agreement between the Environment Ministry, Addu Equatorial Hospital and WAMCO. The plan will treat chemotherapy waste using soda lime, seal it in HDPE drums with cement, label it, and store it securely—construction is underway in Hithadhoo with expected operation within a year. Diagnostics access: STO introduced GE HealthCare’s portable Vscan ultrasound system to the Maldives, aiming to bring scanning closer to patients—especially on smaller islands—by connecting to phones/laptops and sharing images using DICOM. Tobacco control push: Health Minister Geela Ali says the government’s tobacco cessation strategy is guided by research and expert consultation, including a generational ban via schools and expanded free cessation services. Public health alerts: Measles cases in Greater Malé rose to 226 after 10 new infections; HPA reports 15,552 vaccinations so far and urges prompt care and isolation for suspected cases. Drug rehab support: The National Drug Agency signed an MoU with Yunnan University to use AI for addiction treatment, rehabilitation and mental health support. Food safety: A school canteen in GA. Vilingili was temporarily closed after rats were seen on food display racks.

Tobacco Control Push: Maldives Health Minister Geela Ali says tobacco decisions are research-led, with a generational ban, free cessation services across islands, and a new five-year national campaign after earlier cigarette price moves boosted illicit trade. Cancer Safety Upgrade: Maldives’ first dedicated cancer treatment waste storage facility is planned for Addu under an MoU, to safely handle cytotoxic chemotherapy waste and end disposal challenges at Addu Equatorial Hospital. Drug Rehab Tech Partnership: The National Drug Agency signed an MoU with Yunnan University to bring AI into drug rehabilitation and mental health support, aiming to strengthen treatment and post-treatment reintegration for over 10,000 people affected. Measles Alert: Health Protection Agency reports measles cases rising to 226 after 10 new Greater Malé infections; 15,552 people vaccinated so far, with calls for prompt care and isolation. HPA Tobacco Funding: HPA launched a MVR 3 million annual fund from the Public Health Fund to support civil society tobacco-awareness and quit programmes. Food Safety at School: A canteen at GA. Atoll Education Center in Vilingili was temporarily closed after rats were seen on food display. Public Health Reminder (Regional): Hawaiʻi reported another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu and urged residents to remove standing water, especially with rain expected.

Tobacco-Free Sports Push: Maldives Cabinet moves to strengthen tobacco and nicotine awareness and targets selecting only tobacco-free athletes for national teams, with the generational smoking ban routed through schools and community focal points on every inhabited island. Cancer Safety Upgrade: Maldives’ first dedicated cancer treatment waste storage facility is planned for Addu under an MoU, aiming to safely handle cytotoxic chemotherapy waste and end long-standing disposal challenges. Public Health Alerts: Health Protection Agency reports measles cases rising to 226 after 10 new Greater Malé infections; authorities urge prompt care, masking in facilities, and isolation for suspected cases. Mosquito-Control Reminder: Hawaiʻi DOH confirms another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu; officials stress removing standing water, especially with rain risk. Drug Rehab Tech Partnership: National Drug Agency signs an MoU with Yunnan University to explore AI for addiction treatment and mental health support, citing 10,000+ people affected and gaps in post-treatment reintegration. Community Food Safety: A school canteen in GA. Atoll Education Center (Vilingili) is temporarily closed after rats were seen on food display. Wellness Recognition: Mandara Spa Maldives earns Wellness HERO status across all 10 participating locations during World Wellness Weekend. Healthy Movement: Dhiraagu Malé Open 2026 race kits are available now for the Aug 21–22 open water swim at Rasfannu, with a new 500m team relay.

Tobacco Control Push: Maldives HPA has launched a MVR 3 million annual tobacco-control fund, with grants for civil society and community groups to run quit-and-awareness programmes across islands. Generational Ban Plan: The President’s Office says the Cabinet will drive a generational smoking ban through schools, with island community focal points and youth/sports partnerships to widen reach. Measles Update: HPA reports 10 new measles cases in Greater Malé, bringing confirmed infections this year to 226, with vaccination and guidance on masking, prompt care, and isolation. Medicine Supply Fix: StatePharma’s MD says medicine shortages stem from past neglect in import, storage, and stock management, and that an ERP/e-logistics system is being rolled out for real-time visibility. Dengue Alert: Hawaii DOH confirms another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu and urges residents to remove standing water—an important reminder for mosquito control. Health Innovation: MNU opened Theveli 2026 with 330 research papers, spanning health, science, tech, and society. Community Food Safety: A school canteen in GA. Vilingili was temporarily closed after rats were seen on food display. Sports for Wellness: Dhiraagu Male’ Open 2026 race kits are available now, with open-water categories and a new 500m team relay. Wellness Recognition: Mandara Spa Maldives says all 10 locations earned Wellness HERO status for World Wellness Weekend.

Measles Alert: The Health Protection Agency says measles cases in Greater Malé have climbed to 226 after 10 new infections, with 15,552 people vaccinated so far; HPA urges prompt care for fever and rash, mask use at facilities, and isolation for suspected cases. Mosquito Control Reminder: DOH reports another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, stressing standing-water removal—an important reminder for Maldives communities during rainy periods. Public Health Funding: HPA launched a MVR 3 million annual tobacco-control fund for registered civil groups, with support for community and nationwide quit-awareness programmes. Medicine Supply Focus: StatePharma’s Dr Shah Abdulla Mahir links recurring medicine shortages to past neglect in import and stock management, saying an ERP and e-logistics platform is being rolled out for real-time nationwide visibility. Food Safety at School: A school canteen in GA. Atoll Education Center was temporarily shut after rats were seen on food displays. Vaccines Procurement Talks: StatePharma met India’s Serum Institute to explore reliable vaccine and essential medicine supply for the Maldives. Active Living: Registration is open for “PS Relay 2026” at Hulhumalé Central Park on Sept 12, promoting fitness through a 5x1km team relay. Research & Innovation: MNU opened Theveli 2026 with 330 research papers, spanning health, science, technology, and society.

Public Health Funding: The Health Protection Agency launched a dedicated MVR 3 million annual tobacco control fund from the Public Health Fund, backing community and nationwide quit-and-awareness projects with clear spending limits and categories. Medicine Supply & Safety: StatePharma says recurring medicine shortages come from weak import, storage and stock management, and it has completed the first phase of an ERP and e-logistics push to improve nationwide visibility of supplies; separate reports also flag counterfeit cancer injection batches in the market. Measles Alert: HPA confirmed 17 more measles cases in the capital this week, keeping pressure on vaccination and outbreak response. Food Safety in Schools: A school canteen in GA. Vilingili was temporarily shut after rats were seen crawling over food displays, following a viral incident and a public health inspection. Sports for Health: Registration is open for PS Relay 2026 at Hulhumalé Central Park (Sept 12), and Dhiraagu Malé Open 2026 race kits are available today through Aug 20, with events aimed at marine protection and active lifestyles. Disaster Preparedness: The government and ADB signed a USD 50M loan to secure essential fuel (diesel for electricity/water and transport for food and medical supplies). Climate & Ecosystems: New guidance warns El Niño and expected Indian Ocean Dipole conditions can stress mangroves, highlighting the need for stronger monitoring and early warning.

Tobacco Control Funding: The Health Protection Agency (HPA) launched a new MVR 3 million annual tobacco-control fund from the Public Health Fund, backing community and nationwide projects to reduce tobacco use and support quitting, with clear limits on admin costs and multiple funding categories. Medicine Shortages Fix: StatePharma MD Dr Shah Abdulla Mahir says Maldives medicine shortages come from long-standing gaps in import, storage and stock management, and points to a new ERP and e-logistics push to improve nationwide visibility of stock and forecasting. Vaccine & Medicine Supply Talks: StatePharma met India’s Serum Institute to strengthen reliable procurement of essential vaccines and basic medicines, aiming to expand supplier partnerships and reduce supply interruptions. Energy & Health Access: The Maldives and the Asian Development Bank signed a USD 50 million loan to secure fuel for electricity, water, and transport of food and medical supplies—diesel powers about 94% of electricity generation. Active Living Event: Physio Solutions opened registration for “PS Relay 2026” on Sep 12 at Hulhumalé Central Park, a 5-person team relay promoting active lifestyles, with cash prizes for winners and fastest runners. Public Health Monitoring: HPA confirmed 17 more measles cases in the capital this week, underlining the need for vigilance and prevention. Community Safety: A Male’ apartment fire in H. Fahivahi displaced four residents temporarily; no serious injuries were reported, and the cause is still unknown.

Medicine supply & health system fixes: StatePharma MD Dr Shah Abdulla Mahir says Maldives medicine shortages come from long-standing neglect in import, storage and stock management, and that an ERP + e-logistics platform is being rolled out to give real-time nationwide stock visibility and better forecasting. Healthcare capacity building: Universal Foundation awarded four 2026 medical scholarships in neurosurgery, pediatric surgery, critical care medicine and pediatric respiratory medicine, aligned with Ministry-identified skills gaps. Vaccines & procurement talks: StatePharma met India’s Serum Institute to explore reliable supply of essential vaccines and medicines, including stronger procurement systems and future public health collaboration. Energy for health & daily life: ADB approved a USD 50M emergency loan to help import diesel for electricity, water, and fuel for transport of food and medical supplies. Wellness in action: Registration opened for “PS Relay 2026” (Sept 12, Hulhumalé Central Park), a team relay promoting active lifestyles with cash prizes. Public health & environment watch: New guidance highlights how El Niño and Indian Ocean Dipole conditions can stress mangroves, making early monitoring and warnings important for coastal protection. Local safety: A Male’ apartment fire on H. Fahivahi left residents temporarily sheltered; no lasting smoke residue was reported. Specialist care closer to home: IGMH welcomed Dr Hammad Adam as the first Maldivian consultant sub-specialist in colorectal surgery to reduce overseas treatment needs.

Vaccine Supply Talks: StatePharma met India’s Serum Institute to explore reliable procurement of essential vaccines and basic medicines, aiming to strengthen medical supply systems and public health partnerships. Energy & Health Access: The ADB approved a USD 50M emergency loan to help Maldives import diesel for electricity, water, and fuel for food and medical transport—key for day-to-day health services. Community Fitness: Physio Solutions opened registration for “PS Relay 2026” at Hulhumalé Central Park (Sep 12), a 5-person, 5km team relay with cash prizes and a focus on staying active. Cancer Care Closer to Home: IGMH welcomed Dr. Hammad Adam as the first Maldivian consultant sub-specialist in colorectal surgery, reducing the need for overseas treatment. Local Safety Update: A Male’ apartment fire left four residents temporarily sheltered; no lasting smoke residue was found and the cause remains unknown. Health Event Support: Tree Top Hospital returned as medical partner for the Maldives Half Marathon 2026, providing check-ups and on-site medical support. FX Pressure in Daily Life: MMA reported higher dollar demand for travel and medical needs, while also increasing dollar supply to banks to ease import payments.

Health & Safety: A Male’ City apartment fire in H. Fahivahi left a seventh-floor home unliveable; temporary shelter and food were provided to four residents, while a responding police officer was treated for a cut to the arm and no other injuries were reported. Healthcare Access: IGMH welcomed Dr. Hammad Adam as the first Maldivian consultant sub-specialist in colorectal surgery, aiming to reduce the need for overseas treatment for complex digestive conditions. Public Health Watch: HPA confirmed 17 more measles cases in the capital this week, keeping attention on vaccination and outbreak control. Wellness & Mental Fitness: W Maldives announced neuroscientist Anne-Sophie Fluri for a September wellness residency focused on building “mental fitness” through mindfulness and science-led rituals. Sports Medicine: Tree Top Hospital continued as official medical partner for the Maldives Half Marathon 2026, offering on-site support and basic checks for participants. Energy & Daily Life: ADB approved a $50m emergency loan to strengthen Maldives energy security amid fuel shortages, supporting reliable electricity and water services. Bilateral Health Context: India–Maldives ties were highlighted as “very strong” under a shared vision roadmap, with continued cooperation framed as supporting development.

Fire Safety: A fire destroyed a seventh-floor apartment in H. Fahivai, Male’ City on Saturday night. MNDF Fire and Rescue responded at about 9:00 pm and had the blaze out within half an hour; a police officer was injured while responding and is being treated at ADK Hospital. Healthcare Capacity: IGMH welcomed Dr. Hammad Adam, the first Maldivian consultant sub-specialist in colorectal surgery, aiming to reduce the need for patients to travel overseas for complex lower digestive tract care. Public Health Policy: Male’ City Council voted to push authorities to enforce the public smoking ban, citing ongoing smoking in parks and the health risk to children and families. Energy & Water Security: The ADB approved a $50 million emergency loan to help the Maldives manage fuel shortages and keep electricity and desalination running. Banking Access: Bank of Maldives said online payment declines for education exams can happen due to merchant coding, and urged customers to contact the bank with transaction details for correct classification. Foreign Exchange Watch: MMA reported higher dollar demand in July for overseas travel and medical needs, while reserves fell, prompting increased dollar supply to banks.

Marathon Health & Safety: Tree Top Hospital returned as official medical partner for the Maldives Half Marathon 2026, running on-site checks like heart rate and blood pressure monitoring and providing medical support stations for safer race day. Healthcare Access: IGMH welcomed Dr. Hammad Adam as the first Maldivian consultant sub-specialist in colorectal surgery, aiming to reduce the need for overseas treatment for complex gut and colorectal cancer care. Public Health & Medicines: MFDA issued an urgent warning about a counterfeit Opdivo (nivolumab) batch in the Maldives, urging pharmacies and patients to stop use and verify batch numbers. Energy & Daily Life: ADB approved a $50 million emergency loan to boost Maldives energy security amid fuel shortages, supporting reliable electricity and water services. Sports Recognition: Saanthi (Ihusan Abdul Ghanee) received a National Award posthumously for decades of football coaching and training contributions. Community Health Policy: Male’ City Council moved to enforce a public smoking ban, targeting smoking in parks and other prohibited public areas. Banking Guidance: Bank of Maldives advised customers on how to resolve failed online education payment attempts by contacting the bank for correct merchant classification. Wellness in the Maldives: W Maldives announced a science-led mental well-being residency with neuroscientist Anne-Sophie Fluri, blending mindfulness and neuroscience practices.