By Krysta Cutajar, 26, Malta
During one of my early clinical rotations as a medical student, I watched as a five-year-old boy was brought into the clinic gasping for air, his mother visibly distressed and holding a worn inhaler. She explained that they live in an area where construction is taking place right next to their home, and just walking past the site triggered a severe asthma attack in her son. His case was not unique. Week after week, I saw more children presenting with wheezing, chronic coughs, and increasing dependence on inhalers. These were more than just medical symptoms, they were clear indicators that the living environment itself was jeopardizing children’s health.
My name is Krysta, a 26-year-old medical student studying for the course of Doctor of Medicine and Surgery, and living on the small but densely populated island of Malta. As a future doctor and youth advocate for public health through the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), I’ve seen firsthand the growing impact of air pollution, particularly on children. Clean air should be a basic right, but for many in my country, especially the youngest and most vulnerable, it’s becoming harder to breathe freely.
Malta faces significant environmental challenges due to overpopulation, constant urban development, and heavy car traffic. The high number of construction sites contributes to widespread dust and air pollution, while vehicle emissions further worsen air quality. These conditions have led to a noticeable rise in respiratory issues among children, with more frequent cases of asthma and respiratory distress being treated at health centres, often requiring nebuliser support. According to the European Environment Agency, over 1,200 children and adolescents in Europe die prematurely each year due to air pollution-related conditions.
In Malta, clean air is becoming a luxury—especially for our children. As a future doctor, I see how toxic air doesn’t just pollute the skies—it clogs tiny lungs and steals childhoods.
Krysta Cutajar, 26, Malta
Together with a group of committed students from the Malta Medical Students’ Association (MMSA), a part of IFMSA, we organised an air pollution campaign. We participated in one of Malta’s largest public science events, Science in the City, where we showcased educational models to the public demonstrating how air pollution impact lung health. There was enthusiastic response from both youth and the general public during the event. Many young people showed genuine interest, engaging with our models, asking questions, and sharing their own concerns. In parallel, we launched an online awareness initiative featuring infographics explaining how air pollution affects our respiratory and cardiovascular systems. This experience reinforced how powerful public engagement can be, and how youth, when given the opportunity, can spark meaningful conversations and drive awareness in their communities.
What keeps me motivated is the simple but powerful belief that children shouldn’t have to fight to breathe. Every time I see a child in a clinic struggling to catch their breath, I’m reminded why this work matters. I want to live in Malta where playgrounds replace parking lots, and where clean air is a given, not a luxury.
Youth have a critical role to play in shaping a healthier, more sustainable future. We bring innovation, determination, and a strong sense of responsibility to the table. We are no longer waiting for change, but we are actively driving it. However, real progress requires collective effort. We call on policymakers, healthcare professionals and communities to recognise air pollution as a pressing public health crisis and to take decisive action in addressing it.
