In direct alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), our university maintains active, formal partnerships with local health institutions, healthcare providers, community organizations, and sports bodies to advance public wellness. Through these strategic collaborations, we co-deliver evidence-informed health programs, preventive wellness initiatives, and shared access to physical activity facilities for students, staff, and the broader local community. By bridging academic resources with external health sector expertise, our institution fosters an integrated environment that drives lifelong health, mental well-being, and community-wide health equity.
The Maldives National University and Dr. Abdul Samad Memorial Hospital partnered to conduct a four-hour Mentoring Workshop to advance clinical mentorship and professional development among nurses. Focusing on evaluation models, leadership, and constructive feedback, the initiative equips nurses to better guide junior staff and students—fostering a high-standard clinical learning environment that enhances healthcare quality and patient outcomes.
In May 2025, the School of Nursing and Neyka–TC organised outdoor activities and a Nationwide Walk in Thinadhoo City to celebrate International Nurses Day. Supported by Dr. Abdul Samad Memorial Hospital, the event united nursing students around physical wellness, teamwork, and professional pride. By connecting education, healthcare, and the community, the initiative highlights the vital role nurses play in health promotion while inspiring future health professionals toward compassionate service.
The Maldives National University and Dr. Abdul Samad Memorial Hospital partnered to conduct a targeted research capacity-building session to advance evidence-based practice and healthcare quality. Focusing on research design, ethical considerations, and clinical inquiry, the initiative equips hospital staff to engage in academic collaboration and apply research to service delivery—fostering a culture of continuous learning that drives long-term patient care improvements.
The Maldives National University and UNFPA Maldives hosted a dissemination event for their study, “Socio-Economic Drivers of Low Fertility in the Maldives,” to advance evidence-informed policy and sustainable demographic development. Highlighting SDG 5 and SDG 8, the initiative addresses critical factors like female employment, work-family balance, and childcare costs—bridging key stakeholders to drive collaborative solutions for the nation’s socio-economic future.
The Maldives National University partnered with the Society for Health Education (SHE) to deliver mental health promotion training for student nurses, strengthening mental health literacy, peer-support skills, and stigma reduction. Supporting SDGs 3, 4, 5, 10, and 17, the initiative equips future nurses to advocate for well-being, manage clinical stress, and foster supportive, inclusive healthcare communities.
The Maldives National University’s School of Medicine, alongside Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, the Alzheimer’s Society of Maldives, and the Society for Health Education, launched the Dementia Prevalence Study in the Greater Malé Area. This multi-sectoral partnership generates crucial data to guide policy, early detection, and care services—strengthening collaborative research and supporting evidence-based public health strategies for dementia patients and caregivers.
Batch 6 medical students from the School of Medicine collaborated with the Maldives Red Crescent and Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital during “Isravvehinge Haveeru,” a community initiative for older adults. Facilitating interactive cognitive stalls, students promoted healthy ageing through mental stimulation and social engagement—gaining hands-on geriatric experience while strengthening university-community partnerships to deliver compassionate, preventive, and population-focused healthcare.
The Maldives National University’s School of Medicine partnered with Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital to deliver a Public Health Awareness Session led by Community Health Coordinator Ms. Sameena Mohamed. Focusing on disease prevention, health education, and population health, the initiative connects academic learning with field practice—preparing future doctors to address local healthcare challenges and advance preventive care across Maldivian communities.
Medical students from the Maldives National University’s School of Medicine partnered with Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital to conduct a Thalassemia Screening Session at Jalaludheen School. Focused on early detection, education, and prevention among youth, the initiative enabled future doctors to assist in community outreach—gaining hands-on experience in preventive care while advancing public health efforts to reduce thalassemia across local populations.
The Maldives Nursing and Midwifery Council (MNMC) competency exams validate registered nurses’ skills against national professional standards, ensuring 100% of practicing nurses across the Maldives are qualified. Supporting SDG 3 and SDG 4, this rigorous assessment strengthens healthcare infrastructure, maintains high educational standards, and enhances patient outcomes—building public trust and preparing competent, reliable nurses to serve community health needs nationwide.
Thirty students enrolled in the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science at The Maldives National University gained industry experience through clinical postings at tertiary and regional hospitals across the Maldives. By bridging classroom theory with hands-on procedure practice, the placements strengthened essential technical skills, reinforced professional standards, and deepened the collaborative partnership between the university and healthcare institutions nationwide.
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Physiotherapy program at The Maldives National University completed clinical placements across key institutions, including IGMH, ADK, Hulhumalé Hospital, Addu Equatorial Hospital, and Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital. Guided by MNU lecturers and clinical supervisors, students developed and assessed essential professional competencies—bridging academic learning with hospital practice to advance healthcare education and strengthen the national physiotherapy workforce.
The Maldives National University’s Department of Public Health met with the Ministry of Health and the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to advance flexible higher education pathways for regional health workers. Supporting SDGs 3, 4, 10, and 17, the discussion focused on expanding blended Diploma and Bachelor-level programmes to support decentralized staff across the atolls, driving curriculum revisions and MQA approvals for multi-modal delivery.
The Faculty of Health Sciences, Health Protection Agency, and Department of Public Health held a collaborative meeting to integrate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) into academic curricula. Supporting the National AMR Plan 2024–2029 and SDGs 3, 4, and 17, the initiative embeds WHO-aligned AMR concepts across public health and management programmes—preparing future healthcare professionals for effective antimicrobial stewardship nationwide.
The Maldives National University hosted a Cardiovascular Disease Awareness Session for BIO033 Foundation Science students in collaboration with Dr. Mohamed Asnaad from Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital’s Cardiology Department. Linking biological course concepts to real-world health challenges, the session enhanced health literacy around cardiovascular prevention and lifestyle risks—fostering academic-clinical collaboration while equipping young adults to make informed decisions for personal and community well-being.
The Maldives National University partnered with Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) to deliver “Leadership in Action,” an inspiring leadership workshop facilitated by Senior Lecturer Ms. Aishath Leeza. Designed to elevate leadership capabilities among healthcare professionals, the collaborative session bridges academic expertise with practical hospital management—fostering actionable leadership skills, professional growth, and continuous operational improvement within the Maldives’ primary referral hospital.
The Maldives National University collaborated with the Health Protection Agency, Ministry of Health, and other national and international partners for the Public Health Conference 2025, bringing together 400 participants. Focusing on equitable healthcare for migrant communities, the conference strengthened multisectoral partnerships, promoted knowledge exchange, and identified collaborative actions to improve healthcare accessibility and inclusivity. The initiative supported SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
The Faculty of Health Sciences at The Maldives National University, in collaboration with Mahidol University, Thailand, brought together 34 participants for a workshop on collaborative health promotion. Discussions addressed mental health, maternal and child health, disease prevention, school health, and workforce development, identifying opportunities for joint research and community-based interventions. Supporting SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, the workshop strengthened multisectoral partnerships and developed recommendations to guide future health promotion initiatives benefiting communities across the Maldives.
The Maldives National University, in collaboration with UNICEF, WHO, and national partners, organised the Fahi Sihhath Health Fair at Artificial Beach, Malé, on 25 April 2025, reaching 1,500 people. Held under the World Health Day theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” the fair featured 15 interactive stalls offering health screenings, demonstrations, and education on maternal and newborn health, nutrition, immunisation, diabetes, and mental wellbeing. Supporting SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being, the initiative strengthened public awareness of preventive healthcare, promoted healthier practices, and encouraged early interventions to improve maternal, newborn, and community health.
A UNICEF-organised capacity-building workshop brought together 30 participants to strengthen community health promotion and preventive healthcare services across selected Maldivian islands. The workshop focused on routine health screenings, including blood pressure, blood glucose, BMI, and body fat assessments, alongside strategies for improving community engagement. Supporting SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being, the initiative strengthened community health workers’ capacity to deliver accessible preventive services, encourage early identification of health risks, and support healthier island communities.
The Faculty of Health Sciences at The Maldives National University collaborated with UNICEF to conduct a stakeholder consultation involving 64 participants to validate the updated Primary Health Care curriculum. The workshop brought together healthcare professionals, government agencies, and key stakeholders to align the curriculum with national health priorities and workforce needs. Supporting SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4 – Quality Education, and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, the collaboration strengthened healthcare education and contributed to developing a competent primary healthcare workforce in the Maldives.
From 25–30 January 2025, four Medical Laboratory Science lecturers from the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) at The Maldives National University participated in specialised clinical training through a collaboration with Manipal College of Higher Education. Conducted under an existing Memorandum of Understanding, the training focused on clinical immunoserology, laboratory diagnosis of haematological diseases, and cytodiagnosis. The initiative strengthened lecturers’ diagnostic expertise and practical teaching competencies, supporting the preparation of skilled laboratory professionals and improved healthcare services in the Maldives. This collaboration contributes to SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
Between June and August 2025, the Faculty of Health Sciences at The Maldives National University collaborated with Flinders University, Australia, through the Australia Awards Fellowship programme to strengthen health professions education in the Maldives. The programme engaged 40 staff members in workshops covering problem-based learning, coaching, educational research, curriculum development, and innovative teaching approaches, including generative AI. The collaboration enhanced educators’ professional competencies and strengthened institutional capacity to prepare a skilled healthcare workforce, supporting improved healthcare education and services in the Maldives. The initiative contributes to SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
On 30 April 2025, the Faculty of Health Sciences at The Maldives National University collaborated with Maldives Blood Services to organise a blood donation camp as part of Medical Laboratory Professionals Week. The initiative engaged 50 participants, including 30 students, 5 staff members, and 15 community members, promoting awareness of voluntary blood donation and its life-saving importance. The event encouraged healthy lifestyles, social responsibility, and community participation while strengthening collaboration between academia and national healthcare services. The initiative supports SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
On 23 December 2025, the Faculty of Health Sciences at The Maldives National University conducted a Continuing Medical and Nursing Education (CME/CNE) session on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) for 20 Hulhumalé Hospital staff, with the involvement of 7 MNU staff members. Delivered under the SCALE project in collaboration with Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, the session supported healthcare professionals in strengthening infection prevention practices and antimicrobial resistance awareness. The initiative contributed to national efforts to reduce healthcare-associated infections and promote antimicrobial stewardship, supporting SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
On 8 February 2025, the Faculty of Health Sciences at The Maldives National University conducted a Clinical Supervision Training session for supervisors from institutions providing clinical placements for Master of Psychology (Clinical) students. Facilitated by Licensed Counsellor Mariyam Nawaza from the Institute for Mental Well-Being, the training focused on strengthening ethical, structured, and effective clinical supervision practices. The initiative enhanced collaboration between the University and clinical placement institutions, supporting the development of competent mental health professionals and improved quality of psychological services in the Maldives. It contributes to SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
FHS Strengthens Mental Health Services Through Clinical Supervision Training
On 8 December 2025, the Faculty of Health Sciences at The Maldives National University conducted a 16-hour Clinical Supervision Training of Trainers workshop facilitated by WHO Consultant Dr. Rachel Ting Sing-Kiat. The workshop brought together 12 mental health professionals, including 8 FHS staff and 4 external professionals, to strengthen ethical, structured, and evidence-informed clinical supervision. The initiative enhanced professional competencies and supported improved quality and consistency of mental health services in the Maldives, contributing to SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
FHS Collaborates with Community Partners to Promote Mental Health Awareness
In October 2025, the Faculty of Health Sciences at The Maldives National University collaborated with M7 Print, Fuel Supply Maldives, and Rotary Club Maldives to conduct mental health awareness sessions. These initiatives extended mental health education beyond the University, promoting mental health literacy, emotional wellbeing, and early help-seeking among community and workplace audiences. The collaborations strengthened partnerships between academia, businesses, and community organisations to promote mental wellbeing, contributing to SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
In February 2025, the Faculty of Health Sciences at The Maldives National University participated in the national Dhulhaheyo Sihhath campaign, collaborating with government-sector partners to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Through public awareness stalls and health education activities, the initiative encouraged healthier behaviours and increased awareness of NCD prevention.
The collaboration supported national efforts to strengthen preventive healthcare and improve community wellbeing, contributing to SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
On 3 September 2025, the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) at The Maldives National University participated in the National Suicide Prevention Strategy Validation Meeting alongside key stakeholders from the mental health sector. The engagement provided an opportunity to review the draft strategy and contribute professional recommendations to strengthen national suicide prevention efforts. Through collaboration with health-sector stakeholders, FHS supported the development of a coordinated, evidence-informed approach to suicide prevention, contributing to improved mental health systems and SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being.
On 3 September 2025, the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) at The Maldives National University participated in the National Suicide Prevention Strategy Validation Meeting alongside key stakeholders from the mental health sector. The engagement provided an opportunity to review the draft strategy and contribute professional recommendations to strengthen national suicide prevention efforts. Through collaboration with health-sector stakeholders, FHS supported the development of a coordinated, evidence-informed approach to suicide prevention, contributing to improved mental health systems and SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being.
On 29 November 2025, the Faculty of Health Sciences at The Maldives National University participated in a panel discussion on digital violence against women and girls in collaboration with the Ministry of Social and Family Development. The engagement brought together University staff, students, and government representatives to raise awareness of technology-facilitated violence and its impact on psychological wellbeing and safety. The collaboration supported preventive education, safer digital practices, and coordinated responses to gender-based violence, contributing to SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being and strengthening cross-sector partnerships.
In September 2025, the Faculty of Health Sciences at The Maldives National University contributed to the First Maldivian Physiotherapy Symposium held at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH). FHS representative Uzma Sayyad and fellow speaker Felix Renald delivered presentations on evidence related to healthy ageing, engaging approximately 50 participants. The engagement strengthened knowledge exchange between academia and healthcare professionals, promoting evidence-informed physiotherapy practices and rehabilitation care. The collaboration supported professional development and healthier ageing, contributing to SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being.
On 23 November 2025, the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) at The Maldives National University held a collaborative meeting with the Maldives Physiotherapy Association (MPA), attended by two MNU staff members and three MPA representatives. Discussions focused on student mentorship opportunities, professional development, joint educational activities, and World Physiotherapy accreditation. The engagement strengthened collaboration between academia and healthcare professionals, laying the groundwork for improving physiotherapy education, workforce development, and rehabilitation services in the Maldives. The initiative contributes to SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being through health-sector partnerships and capacity building.
On 28 October 2025, the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) at The Maldives National University convened a stakeholder meeting involving 26 participants, including 6 MNU staff and 20 representatives from the Ministry of Health, Maldives Allied Health Council, and physiotherapy and occupational therapy sectors. Discussions focused on the role of occupational therapy in patient rehabilitation, professional referral pathways, workforce needs, and the newly developed Bachelor of Occupational Therapy programme. The engagement strengthened collaboration between academia, healthcare professionals, and regulatory bodies to support workforce development and improve access to rehabilitation services in the Maldives, contributing to SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
FHS and UNICEF Collaborate to Strengthen Primary Health Care Education in the Maldives
Strengthening the quality of primary health care education was the focus of a stakeholder validation workshop organised by the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) at The Maldives National University in collaboration with UNICEF on 4 February 2025. The workshop brought together 64 participants, including representatives from the health sector and key stakeholders, to review and validate the updated Primary Health Care curriculum. Stakeholder recommendations were incorporated into the finalised curriculum, ensuring alignment with national healthcare priorities and workforce needs. The collaboration strengthened partnerships between academia, healthcare institutions, and development partners, supporting the preparation of competent primary healthcare professionals and contributing to SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being.
FHS and UNICEF Strengthen Community Health Workers’ Capacity for Preventive Healthcare
Enhancing community-based preventive healthcare was the focus of a capacity-building workshop organised by UNICEF on 5 February 2025, bringing together 30 community health workers from selected islands. The workshop facilitated knowledge sharing on health promotion, routine screening practices, and community engagement, including blood pressure, blood glucose, BMI, and body fat assessments. The initiative strengthened collaboration among healthcare providers and supported the capacity of Public Health Units to deliver accessible preventive health services, contributing to SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being through improved community health promotion and early detection of health risks.
MNU and Health Protection Agency Collaborate to Strengthen Primary Health Care Training
Bridging academic learning with practical public health experience, Semester 5 Primary Health Care students from the Faculty of Health Sciences at The Maldives National University completed a five-week clinical placement at the Health Protection Agency (HPA) from 12 February to 23 March 2025. Through this collaboration, students gained hands-on experience in health promotion, disease prevention, outbreak response, and community outreach under the supervision of HPA professionals. The placement strengthened practical competencies and supported the development of a skilled public health workforce, contributing to SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being through collaboration between academia and national healthcare institutions.
MNU and Mahidol University Collaborate to Strengthen Health Promotion in the Maldives
Strengthening international collaboration in health promotion, the Faculty of Health Sciences at The Maldives National University partnered with Mahidol University, Thailand, to organise the Collaborative Pathways in Health Promotion workshop on 8 May 2025. The workshop brought together 34 participants, including academics, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and key stakeholders, to identify opportunities for joint research, capacity building, and community health initiatives. Discussions addressed mental health, maternal and child health, noncommunicable diseases, occupational health, and school health promotion. The collaboration generated recommendations for coordinated preventive healthcare initiatives and strengthened partnerships between academia and the health sector, contributing to SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
Through continued collaboration with the Health Protection Agency (HPA), Semester 5 Primary Health Care students from the Faculty of Health Sciences at The Maldives National University completed a five-week practical placement from 20 August to 18 September 2025. Under the supervision of HPA professionals, students participated in health promotion, disease prevention, outbreak response, and community outreach activities, gaining valuable experience in real-world public health settings. The placement strengthened students’ practical competencies, professional confidence, and understanding of community healthcare delivery. This collaboration between academia and a national public health institution supports the development of a competent healthcare workforce, contributing to SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being.
FHS Joins National Health Expo 2025 to Promote Preventive Healthcare and Healthy Lifestyles
Promoting healthier communities through public awareness and collaboration, the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) at The Maldives National University participated in the Maldives Health Expo 2025, organised by the Ministry of Health from 13 to 16 November 2025. Held under the theme “Together Towards a Healthy Generation,” the expo brought together hospitals, healthcare organisations, and government institutions from across the Maldives to promote preventive healthcare, healthy lifestyles, and access to reliable health information. FHS participation strengthened collaboration between academia and healthcare institutions while supporting national efforts to improve health literacy and community wellbeing, contributing to SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being.
HPA and MNU Collaborate to Advance Equitable Healthcare for Migrant Communities in the Maldives
In a joint effort to strengthen migrant health and promote equitable access to healthcare, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) at The Maldives National University (MNU) collaborated on the Public Health Conference 2025, held from 8 to 10 December 2025 under the theme “Equitable Access, Reduced Vulnerabilities: Advancing Migrant Health in the Maldives.” The conference brought together 400 participants from government agencies, healthcare institutions, international organisations, NGOs, academia, and migrant communities. Discussions addressed barriers to healthcare access, including affordability, language, stigma, and working conditions. This collaborative initiative strengthened multisectoral partnerships, generated recommendations, and supported coordinated implementation of the National Migrant Health Policy, contributing to SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being and more inclusive healthcare services in the Maldives.
Conference website: https://mnu.edu.mv/public-health-conference-2025/
MNU and Ministry of Health Collaborate to Strengthen Health Service Management Education
Providing students with valuable exposure to national healthcare administration, final-year Bachelor of Health Service Management students from the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) at The Maldives National University completed their industrial placement at the Ministry of Health in 2025. Through this collaboration, students gained practical insights into healthcare management and the operations of the national health system, bridging academic learning with professional practice. The placement strengthened institutional collaboration between MNU and the Ministry of Health while supporting the development of future healthcare management professionals, contributing to SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being through health workforce development and capacity building.