Third Committee
Agenda Item 68(b)
Intervention by the Republic of Maldives to the Report of the Special Rapporteur on Right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health
Statement by Ms. Moomina Ibrahim, Assistant Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
United Nations, New York, 25 October 2016
Thank you Madam Chair,
My delegation conveys its appreciation to Mr. Dainus Puras for his valuable contribution to this mandate and to the realisation of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. We thank him for his very comprehensive report focusing on the reinforcing relationship between the sustainable development goals and the right-to-health framework.
The Maldives delegation highlights the importance of the universal health coverage and access to quality care in promoting physical and mental health and well-being as well as extending life expectancy for all. The Maldives has introduced a universal health coverage mechanism across the country. In addition to eliminating the financial hardships commonly associated with accessing quality healthcare, this mechanism has also enhanced accessibility and availability of health services to the more vulnerable population in the society such as those with disabilities.
The Special Rapporteur has stressed in his report on the importance of high-quality, accessible, timely and reliable data to realise the right to health as well as in measuring the progress and effectiveness of universal health coverage. In this regard, my question to the Special Rapporteur is,
· What would be the supporting mechanisms that the Special Rapporteur would recommend for developing countries to strengthen data collection and statistical analysis, in particular on those segments of the population who in traditional data collection methods are invisible, such as people with mental health conditions among others.
I thank the Special Rapporteur in advance for his response to our question, and I also thank you Madam Chair.
