Health Minister Unable to Confirm Bilateral Talks on Worsening Air Pollution, Downplays Severity of Dangerous AQI Readings

Health Minister Abdulla Nazim was unable to confirm whether the government is engaged in bilateral discussions with neighbouring countries on worsening air pollution, while also downplaying the severity of recent high Air Quality Index (AQI) readings.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office today, Nazim was asked whether the government had initiated talks with nearby countries in response to repeated periods of dangerous air quality levels in the Maldives. 

Nazim did not directly answer whether such discussions are taking place. Instead, he characterised air pollution as a broader, seasonal issue affecting multiple countries.

“Seasonally in the Maldives as well, there are changes in the air quality measurement, and HPA and other institutions do important work to make the public aware of the situation,” he said.

He pointed to public service announcements issued by the HPA during periods of high pollution, including guidance discouraging outdoor activities such as sports. Nazim added that the focus should remain on individual precautions rather than broader interventions.

“This is not just an issue facing the Maldives. The most important advice we can give right now is to wear masks when going outside to play sports or even when going outside,” he said.

His remarks come after several months of elevated air pollution readings across the country. Since December 2025, data from air quality monitoring platform IQAir has shown that levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the Maldives have exceeded the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended annual guideline.

In January 2026, monitoring systems recorded AQI levels of 179 in Villingili, classified as “unhealthy,” while readings in Malé reached 139, placing the capital in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category.

Further high readings were recorded in late February, when Kulhudhuffushi City and Kaafu Villingili registered AQI levels of 163, also within the “unhealthy” range under the AQI scale, according to IQAir data.

The WHO recommends an annual average PM2.5 concentration of no more than 5 micrograms per cubic metre. However, data from recent months has shown levels in the Maldives at around 12.5 micrograms per cubic metre, exceeding the guideline. 

The government has not publicly confirmed any regional or bilateral engagement to address possible cross-border sources contributing to air pollution. Nazim’s comments indicate the current response remains centred on public advisories and personal protective measures.