The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Maldives and the Ministry of Public Health of the Kingdom of Thailand signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to enhance cooperation in the health sector.

The agreement was formalized on the sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO), currently being held in Geneva.

The MoU aims to foster collaboration in a wide range of areas, including strengthening primary healthcare services in the Maldives, enhancing the regulatory capacity of the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), and supporting human resource development in the health sector.

It also covers cooperation in health policy and systems research, information technology, and innovative sustainable financing mechanisms for health promotion.

On behalf of the Maldives, the agreement was signed by Minister of State for Health Khadheeja Abdul Samad.

Deputy Minister of Health Dej-is Khaothong signed on behalf of the Government of Thailand.

The signing was also attended by Maldives’ Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim and WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia Saima Wazed.

In his remarks, Minister Nazim described the MoU as a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between the two countries.

He emphasized that the agreement reflects shared priorities in advancing universal health coverage and building resilient health systems.

The Minister also expressed appreciation for Thailand’s longstanding support and expertise in key areas such as primary healthcare, academic exchange, and policy development.

Deputy Minister Khaothong noted that the agreement is a concrete outcome of bilateral dialogues initiated during last year’s World Health Assembly.

He underscored the importance of continued cooperation in areas such as regulatory systems, academic training, and health system innovation.

Speaking at the event, WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed praised the agreement as an example of meaningful regional cooperation.

Wazed commended the two nations for prioritizing inclusion, innovation, and technology in responding to evolving health challenges.

This agreement marks another step forward in the longstanding friendship between the Maldives and Thailand, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening regional health systems and advancing the well-being of their peoples through cooperation, innovation, and solidarity.