Filariasis to be included in medical test for migrant workers

Health Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, on Tuesday, said screening for Filariasis will be included in the medical test done by migrant workers for their work permit during entry to the Maldives.

The mosquito-borne disease, Filiarisis, was detected in Kulhudhuffushi City on December 14^th.

Since then, Maldives has confirmed 32 cases of filariasis – 25 in Kulhudhuffushi City – and seven in the greater Male’ area.

So far, the cases have been restricted to the country’s migrant population.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of ‘Mukabba’, a campaign to raise awareness of food safety, Minister Khaleel underscored that important decisions taken by the cabinet over the Filariasis cases include mandating yearly medical tests for migrant workers, which will include screening for Filariasis.

“Such a focus has been allocated to Filariasis as it is a disease that has been eliminated or eradicated from the Maldives.  We absolutely do not wish for an eradicated disease to enter the nation,” he said.

“Maldivian citizens are extremely concerned over the spread of Filariasis. What I have to say is, do not be alarmed,” he added.

Minister Khaleel said the Ministry was presently undertaking efforts to identify which additional diseases for which screening can be included in the medical test for migrant workers.

Underscoring that Filariasis is a disease that entered the Maldives, the Minister said there is a special mechanism to control the disease while Maldives was also in supply of medication and test kits for the disease.

“We are discussing with some emergency funds to bring in additional medication and kits,” he noted.

He also emphasized that a stronger health system will be established in the future.