Maldives Achieves UN Target for Reducing Chronic Disease Deaths

• The Maldives has become the first country in the WHO's South East Asia region to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing premature deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by one-third by 2030.
• Success is attributed to a digital-first primary health care model that emphasizes early screening, preventive interventions, and seamless medical record access across isolated islands.
• The country leveraged its near-universal 5G connectivity to integrate health information systems, effectively allowing for population-wide screening for NCD risk factors.

Digital Health Model

• The initiative was piloted on Faafu Atoll, utilizing existing digital platforms previously used for vaccination and reproductive health tracking.
• The system facilitates digital referrals and long-term patient follow-up, which are essential for managing chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, cancer, and diabetes.
• Government investment in workforce capacity and community-based health promotion has been key to scaling the program beyond the pilot stage.

Challenges and Broader Context

• While the Maldives has reached its goal four years ahead of schedule, NCDs remain the primary cause of morbidity, accounting for 84% of deaths in the country.
• Experts suggest the Maldivian model could serve as a template for other Small Island Developing States (SIDS), though success requires reliable infrastructure, including electricity, internet, and adequate transport to connect remote islands with tertiary care.
• Global researchers highlight that achieving worldwide SDG targets for NCDs by 2030 would require US$140 billion in new investment, potentially saving 39 million lives and providing a 19-to-one economic return.