First Lady Calls for Stronger Neonatal Care Training

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has called for stronger training and professional development opportunities for healthcare workers to improve neonatal care across the Maldives.

Speaking at the opening of NeoCare 2026 at Meerumaa this morning, the First Lady said continued investment in healthcare workers is essential to build on progress in neonatal services.

She said modern equipment and specialised facilities are only effective when healthcare professionals have the knowledge and experience to use them.

The First Lady stressed the need for continuous education, specialised training, mentorship and professional development for doctors, nurses and other neonatal care workers.

She said NeoCare provides an important platform for healthcare professionals to share knowledge and practical experience.

This year’s conference brings together 50 participants from 19 healthcare facilities across the Maldives.

The First Lady called for similar learning opportunities to be made available to healthcare workers in the atolls.

She also highlighted the need for locally relevant data and research to improve neonatal healthcare policies and services.

The First Lady stressed that every newborn in the Maldives should have access to an appropriate standard of healthcare, regardless of their island or circumstances.

She also called for family-centred care, saying families of newborns receiving intensive or specialised treatment need clear communication, dignity and compassion.

During the ceremony, the First Lady launched the NeoCare and NICU News Bulletin.

NeoCare 2026 is being held under the theme, “Advancing Neonatal Care: From Knowledge to Practice through Innovation and Collaboration.”