First Lady Fazna Ahmed has stated that in order to put our words into action, the whole government and society need to collaborate on promoting nutrition and healthy lifestyles among Maldivians.

She made the remarks on Monday while speaking at the opening of the 'Roundtable consultation on nutrition and healthy lifestyle' at Meerumaa Hall.

The round table was coordinated by UNICEF in collaboration with the Maldives Food and Drug Authority, the Ministry of Education, the National Health Protection Agency, and non-governmental organisations. This marks the second nutrition national round table consultation focusing on addressing overweight and obesity among children, adolescents and women in the country.

The objectives of the discussion include identifying and discussing trends, patterns, levels and drivers of malnutrition, introducing Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyles flagship “Kaigen Hingamaa”, and establishing a collective impact platform to mobilise champions for nutrition.

During the discussions, First Lady Fazna shared her prior experience in the education sector, highlighting three initiatives by Thaajudheen School to promote healthy lifestyles at the school - a weekly exercise program aimed at the entire school, a four-year program called the ‘Milk and Exercise Program' held for a select group of students, and a programme encouraging the students to make healthy dietary choices.

She noted that the latter is still ongoing in the school and it is expected that students continue a healthy lifestyle after graduating.

First Lady pointed out that in addition to a healthy diet and regular exercise, one must prioritise mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.