First Lady Calls for Compassion to End Tuberculosis Stigma

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has urged a fundamental change in how society views tuberculosis, calling for compassion and accurate information to dismantle the persistent stigma associated with the disease. In a statement marking World Tuberculosis Day, she emphasized that the illness inflicts a profound personal toll, with suffering extending beyond the diagnosed individual to affect their families and communities. She stressed that the impact of tuberculosis cannot be measured by data alone. “On this #WorldTBDay, we acknowledge that tuberculosis is more than a statistic,” the First Lady said. “Every case represents someone whose daily life is interrupted, whose family is affected, whose plans are put on hold.” Despite medical advancements making tuberculosis both preventable and curable, she warned that societal stigma and a lack of awareness remain major barriers, preventing many from seeking timely medical care. Eradicating the disease, she stated, requires moving beyond clinical settings. “Ending TB isn’t just about treatment, it’s about building supportive communities, spreading knowledge, and choosing compassion over judgment,” she articulated. The First Lady asserted that a collaborative societal effort is vital to eliminate the unnecessary hardships caused by tuberculosis. “If we act together, we can make sure no one suffers from a disease we already know how to prevent and cure,” she affirmed. Nationally, the Maldives is implementing strategic measures in coordination with the World Health Organization, with a definitive target to drastically reduce the disease's prevalence by 2030 and ensure it is no longer a significant public health threat.