New National Screening Tool Aims for Early Disability Detection in Children

The Maldives has launched a National Development Screening Tool designed to strengthen the early identification and systematic support for children with developmental delays. The initiative, introduced by the Ministry of Social and Family Development, centers on a 'Developmental Milestone Tracking Form' to help children receive timely intervention. Minister of Social and Family Development, Dr. Aishath Shiham, emphasized the tool's long-term significance at its launch ceremony. She described it as a crucial step that will deliver generational benefits by ensuring children with disabilities can integrate fully into society through early support. The Minister connected this new effort to the nation's previous successes in child health, which saw dramatic reductions in maternal and infant mortality. She stated that applying similar systematic strengthening to disability identification will create lasting positive change. The tracking form is designed to empower both parents and educators, providing a clear referral system to spot developmental differences early in home and classroom settings. Dr. Shiham stressed that true social inclusion is achieved when national systems are built to 'see, hear and fully respond to the needs of every child from an early age.' The tool represents a significant shift towards proactive, family-supported child development monitoring across the Maldives.