A lecturer from the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), The Maldives National University (MNU), took part in a multi-country workshop on Essential Public Health Functions in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 16 to 18 June 2026. Dr. Sam-aan joined more than 150 representatives in work on adapting a World Health Organization roadmap to national workforce priorities.

Participants exchanged country experiences, mapped competencies and outcomes, explored implementation plans and visited the National Institute for Health Sciences. The workshop supported regional learning about how to strengthen public health workforce capacity, while country-level implementation remains a subsequent step.

Insights from the regional exchange can inform future teaching and professional development related to essential public health functions in the Maldives.

The regional work supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through stronger public health functions, SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through workforce development, and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through attention to national capacity gaps. Public-sector planning and international cooperation also relate to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).