The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the Maldives’ membership in the Asia Pacific Regional Forum on Health and the Environment (APRFHE). This decision was made during a cabinet meeting on 1 December 2024, following a proposal presented by the Ministry of Health.
Membership in the APRFHE is expected to bring several advantages to the Maldives. These include enhanced collaboration with member states, regional cooperation in developing and implementing health and environmental policies, and strengthened advocacy to mitigate the impact of environmental challenges on the country’s well-being. Additionally, the forum will facilitate the integration of digital health solutions into health and environmental care services, supported by access to technical expertise.
Through the forum’s knowledge network, the Maldives will benefit from academic initiatives and the ability to assess public health risks associated with toxic pollutants and climate change. This collaborative framework will also promote joint efforts in tackling these challenges. Furthermore, membership is anticipated to expand opportunities for technical training, which will be actively encouraged.
Established in 2004, the APRFHE was founded to address the threats posed by environmental hazards to human health. The forum aims to foster greater interaction between relevant government sectors, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices. It also advocates for policies and measures to safeguard public health from environmental risk factors and encourages the involvement of other sectors — such as transport, education, energy, and trade — to prioritise health within the frameworks of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement, the Minamata Convention, and other international and regional initiatives.
It is worth noting that serving as Chair of the Regional Forum is a voluntary role for member states, highlighting the Maldives’ commitment to the forum’s objectives and activities.
Importantly, membership in the forum does not impose any direct financial accountability on the state or the public.
