His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called on everyone to commit to protecting future generations from the scourge of nicotine addiction and to work collectively towards a healthier, tobacco-free future for the Maldives.
In his message marking World No Tobacco Day, the President noted that tobacco and nicotine addiction, together with the associated burden of disease, disability, and socio-economic consequences, continues to pose a major challenge to public health and national development in both the Maldives and around the world.
He underscored the importance of governments renewing their commitment to protecting people from the dangers of tobacco and confronting the tobacco industry's persistent targeting of young people through addictive nicotine products.
To this end, the President highlighted several key policy initiatives undertaken to address the issue, including the ban on e-cigarettes and the Maldives becoming the first country in the world to implement a Tobacco-Free Generational ban in 2025. He noted that, to sustain progress and advance the long-term goal of a "Tobacco-Free Maldives", access to free smoking cessation services has been expanded and smoke-free jurisdictions broadened.
The President also raised concerns about the emergence of flavoured nicotine pouches and the use of AI-generated marketing strategies, stressing that these evolving threats require continued vigilance and stronger responses. To address these challenges, he noted that the Government is continuing to review and strengthen tobacco control measures, including price and tax policies as well as legislative reforms.
The President also shared the message on his X account to commemorate the occasion, highlighting the efforts taken towards a healthier, tobacco-free Maldives. First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, in her message to mark the day, highlighted the role of awareness, education and collective action in creating a tobacco-free and healthier generation.