President Muizzu Urges Youth Health Investment to Support Ageing Population

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called for a strategic investment in youth health, framing it as a critical requirement for the long-term sustainability of the Maldivian healthcare system. In a message marking World Population Day, the President emphasized that fostering healthy habits in young people today is the most effective way to mitigate the challenges of an ageing society tomorrow. According to the President, preventing chronic diseases and delaying age-related illnesses among the youth will ensure a more productive workforce and a capable generation of caregivers. This proactive approach is seen as essential for maintaining a healthcare system that can effectively support older citizens without collapsing under future demand. Central to this vision is the establishment of a structured 'Care Economy.' President Muizzu noted that formalizing care services would ensure elderly citizens receive professional healthcare and social support, while simultaneously reducing the unpaid care burden that disproportionately falls on families, particularly women. He asserted that strengthening these services would promote dignity for the elderly and increase workforce participation for women, contributing to a more inclusive economy. Addressing the Maldives' demographic shifts, the President highlighted that young people make up approximately 39% of the population. He linked the country's sustainable development to the administration's ability to empower this demographic through quality education and meaningful employment. This effort is being complemented by the 'Maldives 2.0' digital transformation initiative, which aims to modernize public services and build a robust digital economy. To ensure these policies are evidence-based, the government is prioritizing the collection of accurate demographic data. The President announced that administrative registers are being strengthened to provide real-time information at the island level. This will culminate in the 2030 Population and Housing Census, which will utilize a hybrid approach combining traditional enumeration with digital registers. Supported by upcoming legal reforms, the administration aims to ensure that no citizen is left uncounted, allowing for more efficient state operations and policies that precisely meet the needs of diverse island communities.