Thursday 26 Mar 2026
People wear masks as they stand in front of a health warning sign. (Sun Photo/Fayaz Moosa)
On the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu highlighted the Maldives' commitment to public health, specifically noting the nation's status as a low-burden country for tuberculosis (TB). He emphasized that while TB remains a global health threat, it is both preventable and curable. The President stressed that achieving a future free from this disease requires strong healthcare systems, widespread community participation, and, most crucially, early detection and treatment. By leveraging rapid diagnostic tools and ensuring vulnerable populations receive necessary care, the Maldives aims to align its progress with international health standards, particularly the World Health Organization's goal of eliminating the disease by 2030.
The Maldives is proud to be a low tuberculosis (TB) burden country, and is committed to moving closer to a future free from the disease, says President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
He made the remark in a message via X on Tuesday on occasion of World Tuberculosis Day.
In his message, President Muizzu reflected on how TB continues to affect millions worldwide, despite being preventable and curable.
“Today, we recognize the importance of strong health care systems, early detection, and community participation in ending this disease,” he wrote.
President Muizzu said that the Maldives remains proud to be a low TB burden country, and continues to strengthen early detection, improving access to rapid diagnostics and treatment, and ensuring that the vulnerable populations receive the care they need.
“Let us reaffirm our commitment to protecting public health by working collectively with our health workers and communities to move closer to a future free from tuberculosis,” he wrote.
As we mark #WorldTBDay, we are reminded that tuberculosis continues to affect millions worldwide, despite being preventable and curable. Today, we recognize the importance of strong health care systems, early detection, and community participation in ending this disease.
— Dr Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) March 24, 2026
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TB is a contagious, airborne infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs, that spreads through air particles from coughing or sneezing. Symptoms include a persistent cough, chest pain, fever, and weight loss. It is treatable with a 6–9-month regimen of antibiotics, although drug-resistant strains exist.
Data released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) shows the Maldives recorded 148 cases of TB in 2024. Health authorities report that the disease has been eliminated from over 100 islands, as the Maldives moves towards achieving the target set by the World Health Organization (WHO) of eliminating TB by 2030.
