Health
Due to rising temperatures caused by El Niño, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) on September 8, 2026, urged the public to reduce strenuous outdoor work during the hottest hours of the day, drink plenty of water, and pay special attention to children and the elderly. In connection with World Physical Therapy Day, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Maldives National University (MNU) and the Maldives Physiotherapy Association on September 8, 2026, to provide international-standard education and training in the field of physiotherapy and to expand and decentralize the service to the atolls.
Due to rising temperatures across various regions of the Maldives, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) urged the public on September 8, 2026, to minimize outdoor activities during peak heat hours. The agency stated that spending extended time outdoors during peak sun hours can lead to various health issues, and that special attention should be paid to avoiding going outside, especially during midday, unless strictly necessary. Furthermore, HPA instructed the public to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and to take sun protection measures in situations where going outside is unavoidable.
A special agreement was signed between the Maldives National University (MNU) and the Maldives Physiotherapy Association on 8 September 2026. The main objective of this agreement is for both parties to collaborate in further strengthening the field of physiotherapy in the Maldives, as well as providing educational and professional opportunities. Under this agreement, it was also decided that the two institutions would work together in developing human resources in this field and providing students with the necessary practical training and experience. This agreement will serve as a further boost towards enhancing the quality of physiotherapy services in the healthcare sector.