Despite high levels of drug use, and associated social and criminal costs, the Maldives to date has
avoided major health harms and costs that are linked with drug use in other parts of South Asia,
and HIV/AIDS in particular. The main task in the Maldives is to reduce the impact of use of heroin
and problematic drug use by better prevention and treatment. Good prevention and treatment will
help prevent HIV and other adverse health, social and criminal consequences of drug use.
There are a number of structural conditions that will need to be addressed through engagement
with multiple governmental ministries and departments. The main conclusions of this report will
require collaboration and coordination within government and between government, civil society
and the drug using (active and in recovery) community.