Sexual and Reproductive Health Support for Students

As part of their coursework, students from the School of Nursing (SN) at the Maldives National University (MNU) developed informative leaflets on sexual and reproductive health to raise awareness among peers and the community. This activity aimed to enhance students’ understanding of reproductive health concepts while building their skills in health education, communication, and advocacy. By designing educational materials, students contributed to promoting informed decision-making, responsible health practices, and community well-being.

Developed under a UNFPA-supported project, the LSBRHE Training Module equips educators and healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to deliver life skills-based reproductive health education effectively. The module focuses on promoting informed decision-making, healthy behaviors, and positive life skills among adolescents and young adults. Through evidence-based content and interactive learning methods, it supports the development of confident, responsible, and health-conscious individuals across the Maldives.

In collaboration with UNFPA and the Maternity Foundation, MNU led the adaptation and rollout of the Safe Delivery App (SDA) to strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare. The project focused on translating and contextualizing clinical content, building the capacity of healthcare professionals through Training-of-Trainers (ToT) sessions, and integrating the app with local health systems. This initiative enhanced practical skills, supported evidence-based decision-making, and contributed to improved maternal and neonatal outcomes across the Maldives.

The Maldives National University, in collaboration with UNFPA, concluded a landmark study on the Socio-Economic Drivers of Low Fertility in the Maldives, with a dissemination event held on 15th May 2025. The session brought together representatives from government ministries, diplomatic missions, and key stakeholders. Findings were presented by Dr. Tatiana Karabchuk, with a panel discussion featuring experts from UNFPA, the Health Protection Agency, and the University. The study’s insights aim to guide national planning and policy decisions to address declining fertility rates and support sustainable development in the Maldives.

In 2020, Dr. Zeba Un Naher was awarded the MNU Research Grant for her project titled “Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) gene C677T Polymorphism and its Association with Folate, Homocysteine, Anaemia, Menstrual Cycle Patterns, Outcomes of Pregnancy and Risk for Cardiovascular Diseases in Females.”  The study contributed to society by improving understanding of the links between genetic variations and women’s health outcomes. Findings from the research helped guide preventive healthcare strategies, early interventions for at-risk populations, and personalized approaches to nutrition and reproductive health. Overall, the project aimed to enhance female health, reduce pregnancy-related complications, and lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, benefiting both individuals and the broader community.

Lecturers from the School of Nursing, School of Medicine, and Faculty of Health Sciences developed a short course on contraception and STIs to equip healthcare professionals and students with up-to-date knowledge and practical skills in family planning and sexually transmitted infection management. The module emphasizes promoting safe, informed choices about contraception, integrating STI prevention and care, and strengthening client-centered counseling in line with national guidelines. Through evidence-based content, self-directed learning, and online assessments, it supports the delivery of high-quality, accessible reproductive health services across the Maldives. This project was initiated and funded by UNFPA.