30% of local women travel to other islands to give birth

Statistics released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Thursday reveal that 30 percent of women in the Maldives are giving birth in islands away from their homes, highlighting the long-standing issue of inadequate healthcare in the atolls.

During the first quarter of this year, a total of 1,427 children were born in the Maldives, comprising 697 girls and 730 boys.

The data indicates that 72 percent of these births, or 1,028 children, occurred in Malé city. Haa Dhaalu atoll recorded the second highest number of births with 86 children, followed by Addu with 53.

While 72 percent of children are born in the capital, 70 percent of all births occur in the island where the mothers reside. This means that 30 percent of women gave birth on an island other than their home island.

Of the 1,028 women who gave birth in Malé, 64 percent are residents of the city. Conversely, among the 402 children born in the atolls, 85 percent were born on the island where their parents live.

Notably, the highest number of births were given by women between the ages of 30 to 34. The breakdown by age group is as follows:

• Ages 15-17: 3 women

• Ages 18-19: 13 women

• Ages 20-24: 205 women

• Ages 25-29: 394 women

• Ages 30-34: 444 women

• Ages 35-39: 296 women

• Ages 40-44: 68 women

• Ages 45-49: 4 women

The Ministry of Health's latest bulletin indicates a strengthening of the country's civil registration system through the timely publication of accurate maternal mortality statistics. The bulletin, released on Thursday, will be issued quarterly, comparing data from one quarter to the next and including the primary causes of death.

According to the bulletin, March saw the highest number of births in the first quarter, with 504 births, surpassing January's 466 and February's 457.

These statistics will be instrumental in formulating crucial policies and strategies to enhance the health sector. The Ministry of Health also stated that the bulletin will aid in planning health programs and strengthening measures to improve health conditions.

In addition, 374 deaths were recorded in the first quarter of this year, with 218 occurring in Malé and 152 in the atolls. This means 59 percent of deaths also took place in the city.

The latest census reveals a local population of 500,000, comprising 194,562 males and 188,077 females.

Both birth and death statistics underscore the significant reliance on Malé for healthcare services, further emphasizing the persistent concern regarding the lack of adequate and quality healthcare in rural areas and atolls.