The Maldives has received the Integrity Award from the Global Center for Good Governance in Tobacco Control (GGTC), recognizing its pioneering efforts to combat tobacco use and industry interference. 
The award was presented at the Eleventh Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), held in Geneva.
Ambassador Dr. Salma Rasheed, Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations Office in Geneva, accepted the award on behalf of the government. GGTC praised the Maldives’ sustained commitment to public health, citing its comprehensive ban on electronic cigarettes, increased import duties on tobacco products, and the generational smoking ban for those born after 2006.
Vaping was officially banned in the Maldives on December 15 last year. Under the Tobacco Control Act, penalties include MVR 10,000 for giving away a vape, MVR 5,000 for using one, and up to MVR 20,000 for selling, with additional fines per device sold. The government continues to enforce these measures rigorously.
Maldives has received the GGTC Integrity Award at #COP11 in Geneva! Ambassador Dr. Salma Rasheed accepted the award on behalf of the Government. This recognition highlights our strong tobacco control efforts, including the e-cigarette ban & Generational Tobacco Ban. #Maldives pic.twitter.com/15mKv2WkvV
— Health Protection Agency (@HPA_MV) November 19, 2025
Only 37 countries worldwide have banned e-cigarettes, placing the Maldives among a select group leading tobacco control reform. The country’s policies have earned praise from the World Health Organization, which also presented President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu with a special award earlier this year.
This latest recognition underscores the Maldives’ role as a model for FCTC Parties and its commitment to building a healthier future through strong governance and public health protection.