The Maldives’ comprehensive Tobacco Control Master Plan is set to be finalized early next year, according to Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim. The announcement was made during the opening ceremony of a roundtable meeting focused on proposed amendments to the Drug Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.
Speaking at the event, Minister Nazim emphasized that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has spearheaded bold initiatives to safeguard public health, achieving progress where previous administrations had fallen short. Under the President’s directive, several tobacco products have already been banned in the Maldives as part of the government’s broader strategy to create a tobacco-free society.
The Health Minister revealed that the Ministry is in the final stages of drafting a long-term national plan to curb tobacco use, which is expected to be completed early next year. Implementation of the plan will begin shortly after its finalization.
“We cannot achieve a tobacco-free Maldives without the support of every citizen,” Minister Nazim said. “This includes raising awareness about the harms of tobacco, enforcing the Tobacco Control Act, and assisting those who wish to quit smoking. I urge everyone to stand together as part of an anti-tobacco movement.”
As part of these efforts, the Health Ministry has initiated the establishment of cessation clinics nationwide. Staff training for these facilities is currently underway to ensure the clinics are fully operational and effective in supporting individuals seeking to quit tobacco use.
The roundtable meeting, co-hosted by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and UNICEF, is part of a series of discussions aimed at enhancing tobacco control measures and protecting children and youth from the harmful effects of tobacco. This marks the fourth roundtable of the year, reflecting the ongoing collaboration between the government and UNICEF to tackle public health challenges.
In recent years, the government has taken significant steps to combat tobacco use. Key measures include a substantial increase in duties on imported cigarettes and the nationwide ban on the sale and use of vaping products.
The Health Minister’s remarks and the roundtable discussions underline the administration’s commitment to reducing tobacco prevalence in the Maldives and promoting healthier lifestyles for future generations.
