The Maldives has recorded a major medical milestone with the first successful birth of a baby conceived through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) at the National Fertility Centre of Dharumavantha Hospital.
The achievement was announced by Abdul Razzaq Haleem, Chief Executive Officer of the Male’ City Group of Hospitals, who described the birth as a breakthrough moment for fertility treatment in the country. He credited the success to the dedicated work of the National Fertility Centre team, alongside the support of multiple hospital departments involved in delivering the service.
The introduction of IVF services within the Maldives has eased a long-standing burden on couples facing infertility, many of whom were previously forced to seek treatment overseas at significant financial and emotional cost. Health officials say the availability of local fertility care represents a critical step in improving access to specialised medical services for Maldivian families.
In his 2025 Presidential Address, President Mohamed Muizzu highlighted the establishment of the National Fertility Centre as part of his administration’s commitment to providing a sustainable, long-term solution for infertility. The centre was inaugurated in November 2024, following repeated public calls for accessible fertility treatment within the country.
Since becoming operational, the National Fertility Centre has provided fertility services and care to 144 individuals by the end of last year, reflecting strong public demand for the programme.
To ensure the continuity of services, the government has allocated MVR 15 million from the state budget and established a dedicated fertility care fund to support ongoing treatment and operations. Officials say these measures are intended to secure the long-term sustainability of fertility services and expand support for families seeking assistance.
The first IVF birth is being viewed as a landmark achievement for the national health system, signalling new possibilities for reproductive healthcare in the Maldives.
