By Neena Bhandari
Sydney, 18.09.2026 (SciDev.Net): The Maldives has become the only country in South East Asia to meet the UN target for reducing premature deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular disease, cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases.
Globally, NCDs account for roughly 74 per cent of all deaths, with millions of people dying prematurely before 70 years of age. Over 80 per cent of these premature deaths occur in low-and middle-income countries.
Strengthening digital connectivity and health workforce capacity, and investing in preventive health, has been central to the Maldives’ achievement, according to public health experts who say the approach could help other small island developing states (SIDS) curb the growing disease burden.