Over 370,000 Respiratory Cases Reported Nationwide, Says HPA

The Health Protection Agency has released its annual statistics showing that more than 370,000 cases of respiratory diseases were reported last year, marking the highest figure recorded in the country.

According to the report, respiratory illnesses dominated the infectious disease landscape, with a total of 370,593 cases. The majority, 369,232 cases, were attributed to asthma, while 1,178 cases of influenza and 183 cases of COVID-19 were also recorded. Other commonly reported conditions included 21,986 cases of diarrhoea and vomiting, 52,148 cases of eye diseases, 2,537 cases of pneumonia, and 188 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease.

The data highlights ongoing public health challenges while reflecting continued efforts to strengthen healthcare systems and preventive programmes across the Maldives.

In response, the Health Protection Agency expanded its vaccination programme, including the establishment of two new vaccination centres in the Malé area and the introduction of two additional vaccines to the national schedule. The agency also upgraded its cold chain infrastructure to maintain vaccine efficacy, distributing 134 refrigerators and freezers, 210 voltage stabilisers, 120 cold carriers and more than 1,100 temperature monitoring devices nationwide.

The report further noted that non-communicable diseases remain the leading cause of death in the Maldives, accounting for 84 per cent of fatalities. As part of early detection efforts, 30,630 individuals across 12 atolls were screened for conditions including cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and lung disease.

Progress was also reported in tobacco control initiatives, with expanded cessation services supporting 2,003 individuals, while the National Quit Line assisted 770 people. A total of 375 individuals successfully quit smoking during the year.

Border health measures were also strengthened, with 6,748 travellers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever screened in 2025. In addition, 803 individuals underwent mandatory medical screening for work visas through the OneGov system, with 258 found unfit for clearance.