The Maldives, a small, developing island nation, relies heavily on tourism and fisheries as its primary economic pillars. However, being located in the tropics, the country faces a number of health challenges associated with tropical diseases such as malaria, filaria, dengue, leprosy, and tuberculosis (TB). Two decades ago, communicable diseases were widespread in the Maldives, but remarkable progress in healthcare has led to a significant reduction in their prevalence. As a result, the country is now witnessing a shift toward non-communicable diseases.
Decline in Communicable Diseases
The incidence of communicable diseases has notably decreased due to the effective implementation of various disease control programs. Since 1984, the Maldives has been malaria-free, a major public health achievement. Leprosy and filaria, which once posed significant health risks, have also been brought under control. The introduction of multidrug therapy in 1983 played a key role in curbing the spread of leprosy. Today, both leprosy and filaria are at the stage of zero transmission.
The Department of Public Health (DPH) plays a crucial role in controlling vector-borne diseases and managing public health risks. The DPH runs ongoing programs to eliminate locally endemic diseases such as malaria, filaria, TB, and leprosy, ensuring that these diseases remain under control.
Tuberculosis (TB) Control
Tuberculosis (TB) was once a major health concern in the Maldives, with high mortality rates. However, over the past decades, the incidence of TB has drastically decreased. Since 1996, the case fatality rate for TB has been reduced to zero. The goal of the TB control program—to reduce the prevalence from 0.66 to 0.26 per 1,000 population—has now been achieved. Additionally, high coverage of BCG vaccination has significantly reduced the incidence of TB in children, making it nearly negligible.
Re-Emergence of Scrub Typhus
Scrub typhus, a disease that was first reported in the Maldives during the 1940s when British soldiers stationed in Addu Atoll were affected, re-emerged in 2002, nearly 58 years after the last outbreak. The Maldivian government has worked diligently to raise awareness about the disease, and with improved case management, the fatality rate has decreased significantly.
Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Mosquito-borne diseases remain a significant concern in the Maldives, with dengue fever continuing to be a major epidemic. Over the years, there have been numerous reports of dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever, with outbreaks occurring intermittently. In 2006, an outbreak of chikungunya also affected the islands. The Department of Public Health has been conducting extensive vector control programs to manage and prevent these diseases in both the capital city of Malé and throughout the rest of the islands.
Awareness and Prevention of Dengue
In response to the persistent challenge of dengue, the Maldives government has focused on improving public awareness about the disease and its prevention. Public health campaigns educate citizens on minimizing mosquito breeding sites, using repellents, and seeking early treatment for symptoms. These measures aim to reduce the impact of the disease on the population.
Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation
In addition to vector-borne diseases, food and waterborne illnesses, particularly diarrheal diseases and intestinal parasitic infections, are common in the Maldives. Diarrhea remains a significant public health issue, with high morbidity rates. To combat this, the Maldives has made great strides in ensuring access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation. The Male’ Water Supply and Sewerage Project has been instrumental in providing safe drinking water and improving sewage management in the capital, as well as in other islands.
Moving Forward: Challenges and Opportunities
While the Maldives has made considerable progress in disease control and public health, challenges remain. The shift toward non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity is becoming more pronounced, requiring continued efforts in health promotion and lifestyle management. Additionally, maintaining the gains in communicable disease control and addressing emerging health threats will require sustained public health initiatives, community engagement, and international cooperation.
The Maldives’ commitment to improving its healthcare system and addressing both communicable and non-communicable diseases is crucial for safeguarding the health of its population and sustaining its tourism-driven economy.
Very interesting! Thanks
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