First Lady: Global collaboration crucial for advancing healthcare, women’s empowerment

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has emphasized the importance of global collaboration in advancing healthcare, women’s empowerment, and education.

She made the remark while delivering the keynote address as the Guest of Honor at the High-Level First Ladies Panel, held at the 11th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary Annual Conference.

In her address, she emphasized the importance of global collaboration in advancing healthcare, women’s empowerment, and education while highlighting the significant strides Maldives has achieved in this trajectory.

She commended Merck Foundation’s ‘More than a Mother’ campaign for its success in addressing infertility stigma globally and expressed her desire to introduce the campaign to the Maldives.

The First Lady noted that infertility remains a sensitive topic in the Maldives, with women shouldering much of the societal burden. She added that the introduction of the campaign in the Maldives would aid in shifting the societal perceptions on infertility and support affected individuals.

She also highlighted the current administration’s initiative to make Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), such as IVF, more accessible by offering these treatments under the Aasandha public health insurance scheme.

First Lady Sajidha also highlighted other key issues, including cancer prevention and treatment initiatives, promoting education, and ensuring equal opportunities for all.

She concluded the speech by expressing her desire to further explore and collaborate with the Merck Foundation to build a more healthier and equitable world.

The First Lady is currently on an official visit to Tanzania to attend the 11th Edition of the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary Annual Conference.