President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has temporarily assigned the management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare to the Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Mariyam Mariya.

Minister Mariya was temporarily assigned to manage the ministry following the resignation of Dr. Aishath Rameela from the position of Agriculture Minister due to health reasons.

Minister Rameela has been undergoing treatment for "Metastatic Serous Papillary Carcinoma," a type of cancer that affects the lining of the abdomen, for many months now. She continued her treatment even after assuming the ministerial position.

After taking office, Minister Rameela first traveled abroad for cancer treatment in late November of last year. She then returned to the Maldives and resumed work at the office in early February.

Minister Rameela first publicly disclosed her cancer diagnosis in a Facebook post on November 29 of last year.

Previously, Minister Rameela has also served as the State Minister of the Ministry of Health and as the State Minister of Health and Family.