MRC participated in the National Forum on Sustainable Elderly Care and Long-Term Care Systems, organized by the Ministry of Health and held at Maldives National University. Inaugurated by Minister of Health Hon. Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, the forum brought together key partners including the Embassy of Japan, the Asian Development Bank, and UNFPA at a critical moment as the Maldives undergoes rapid demographic change and growing demand for sustainable, age-friendly care systems.
Over the course of the forum, discussions centered on practical solutions to build a resilient long-term care system for the Maldives. Key highlights included the launch of a Population Situation Analysis to guide future policy and planning, the introduction of a National Dementia Strategy to strengthen mental health and community care, and strategic dialogue across sectors on improving care for an ageing population.
MRC contributed to the forum through a session presenting insights from implementation of it's Healthy Ageing Programme in the Maldives, highlighting community-based approaches to long-term care. Ibrahim Shameel, Manager - Programmes and Services provided an overview of MRC's volunteer-led healthy ageing initiatives and the organization's role as a bridge between the country's ageing demographic trend and community-level adaptation. North Regional Manager Ibrahim Mohamed, based in Kulhudhuffushi City, complemented this with a firsthand account of how healthy ageing programming has grown and evolved in Kulhudhuffushi City. He reflected on the impact of MRC's community presence on the ground and the efforts led by volunteers in the community to strengthen the connection between the community and senior citizens.
As the Maldives continues its demographic transition, MRC remains committed to ensuring its volunteer networks and community Programmes continue to grow in step with the evolving needs of older people across the country.