The Bahrain Red Crescent’s connection to the Maldives dates back to the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, when BRCS was among the National Societies that responded to the devastation and provided critical support to affected communities. In 2007, BRCS funded the construction of a building at the Home for People with Special Needs (HPSN) in K. Guraidhoo - a contribution that left a lasting mark on the facility and on the lives of those it serves. Dr Fawzi’s visit was an opportunity to build on that history and explore how that spirit of solidarity could be renewed in meaningful and practical ways.
During the visit, a meeting was held a bringing together Dr Fawzi, MRC Secretary General Ahmed Shabin, and representatives from the National Mental Health Department (NMHD) and the Home for People with Special Needs (HPSN), the facility the Bahrain Red Crescent supported in 2007 through the funding of a building as part of tsunami recovery efforts.
Discussions covered the current state of HPSN, which is operating beyond its intended capacity, serving elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and persons with mental health conditions. The meeting provided an honest assessment of the facility’s needs. From infrastructure and transport to staffing, training, and rehabilitation services and the gaps that remain beyond what Government funding currently covers. NMHD also shared updates on the breadth of national mental health services and the growing demand for community-based support across the Maldives. Together, the discussions pointed to meaningful areas where renewed partnership and donor support could make a real difference and a shared commitment to keeping the conversation going as those opportunities are explored.
During the visit, Dr Fawzi also met with MRC President Ali Nashid and Secretary General Ahmed Shabin to discuss areas of mutual collaboration and opportunities to strengthen the partnership between the Bahrain Red Crescent and the Maldivian Red Crescent reflecting a shared commitment to deepening ties between the two national societies. MRC looks forward to the potential this visit has opened and to the possibility of a renewed and strengthened partnership between the Maldivian Red Crescent and the Bahrain Red Crescent in the work ahead.
