Health and Family Expo Draws Large Public Response in Malé

The "Health and Family Expo," held with the aim of increasing awareness about general health and family well-being, received a large response from the public. Held on the 5th, 6th, and 7th of this month, the expo turned into a successful event where many citizens visited and obtained important information. In addition to hospitals and clinics in the Malé area, associations, and regional hospitals from the atolls, more than 60 stalls participated in the expo. While various stalls provided the public with much-needed information, the expo has become a significant force in making the public aware of important health-related matters. One of the biggest benefits the public received from this expo was the easy access to hotline numbers of entities that need to be contacted in emergency situations. Additionally, for those who visited the expo, confusion was cleared regarding how to obtain services offered by various agencies active in building a healthy society and how to access these services. Various activities targeting all age groups, including children, youth, and older adults, were included in the expo. These included information sessions and opportunities for children to experience different fun activities. Some children spoke to PSM News, stating that they learned what needs to be done to maintain good health through the expo. They also expressed great happiness due to the presence of sports activities that children could try out. "A child told PSM, 'I learned that eating good food and drinking plenty of water is necessary to stay healthy. I came to this expo and looked at something called a microscope in the ambulance.'" In connection with the full public response to this expo, the Ministry of Health has revealed its hope to hold the expo next year on a wider scale with additional stalls.