Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali has said President Dr Mohamed Muizzu launched the most significant anti-tobacco efforts in recent years.
She made the remarks while speaking at a ceremony held on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day in Mulah, Meemu Atoll.
In her address, the minister said the present government prioritises public health through discouraging smoking and other harmful habits, while past governments had failed to do so.
The minister said past tobacco control efforts were often delayed or ineffective. However, this has now changed, and the situation in the present day is vastly different, she said. Key actions introduced by the present government over the past two years include a generational ban on tobacco to prevent younger generations from legally accessing tobacco, and a ban on importing and selling vapes and related products, she noted. She said progress is being achieved in this field through strategic planning and implementation.
Speaking on this year’s World No Tobacco Day slogan, the minister said the slogan conveys that smoking is not just a personal choice or accident, but a major public health issue influenced by the tobacco industry. She noted the need to increase awareness, especially among children and young people.
The government launched a national tobacco control campaign on 31 May, involving citizens, institutions, and civil society. Focus areas include awareness, cessation support services, and stronger enforcement of tobacco laws.