First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has emphasised that investing in people remains the most valuable investment any society can make, while calling for stronger efforts to ensure equal access to healthcare for all.
Speaking at the 8th Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit, held as part of the 13th Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary, Sajidha joined First Ladies from across Africa and Asia in discussions on healthcare and development.
During her address, the First Lady stressed that access to quality healthcare should not be determined by geography. She noted that children born in remote islands deserve the same opportunities for healthy lives and brighter futures as those living in major urban centres.
Highlighting the Maldives’ collaboration with the Merck Foundation, Sajidha pointed to several achievements, including 13 scholarships awarded in specialised medical fields such as fertility and embryology, endocrinology, critical care, and paediatrics. She also noted that Maldivians have received eight awards in media, music, film, and fashion design, while 3,000 school supply sets have been distributed through the Educating Linda Programme.
The First Lady said sustainable development cannot be achieved through infrastructure projects alone, stressing the importance of partnerships founded on trust and solidarity to improve healthcare access and create opportunities for communities.
As an ambassador of the Merck Foundation’s “More Than a Mother” programme, she also addressed the stigma surrounding infertility, describing it as a challenge that can be as painful as the condition itself. She called for greater empathy and understanding, urging societies to treat every individual with dignity and respect.
Sajidha further congratulated the Merck Foundation on its ninth anniversary and recognised its contributions to healthcare and development programmes across Africa, Asia, and underserved communities over the past 14 years.
Concluding her remarks, the First Lady called on governments, organisations, and development partners to continue working towards a future where healthcare, opportunity, and dignity are rights available to everyone rather than privileges enjoyed by a few.
The Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary is an annual conference that brings together healthcare professionals, policymakers, academics, and development partners to discuss key healthcare and development priorities across Africa and Asia.
