A national forum on sustainable elderly care and long-term care systems was held in Malé, bringing together government institutions, development partners, and international experts to examine the growing demands of an ageing population in the Maldives.
The forum, hosted at the Maldives National University, was organised through a joint effort involving the Ministry of Health, Maldives Bureau of Statistics, the Embassy of Japan, the Asian Development Bank, and the United Nations Population Fund, with financial support from the Embassy of Japan, ADB, and UNFPA.
Discussions focused on the structural challenges associated with demographic change, particularly the increasing need for long-term care services, dementia support, and community-based care systems. The forum served as a platform for policy dialogue and technical exchange, reflecting a shift towards more coordinated approaches to elderly care.
Participants from Japan, including experts and private sector representatives, shared insights drawn from Japan’s experience in managing ageing populations. Contributions covered healthcare system design, collaboration between public and private sectors, and the use of technology in care delivery. A presentation by Nihon Kohden also highlighted the application of medical technologies in supporting healthcare services.
The forum further outlined ongoing cooperation between Japan and the Maldives, including initiatives under the Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects, which aim to improve access to medical services for vulnerable groups.
The engagement reflects continued collaboration between the Maldives and international partners in addressing long-term demographic and healthcare challenges, as the country moves towards strengthening systems for elderly care.
