The government is stepping up efforts to build a tobacco-free generation in the Maldives, with the Cabinet approving a nationwide awareness drive involving schools, island communities, civil society groups, youth and athletes.
The decisions were taken following a presentation by the Cabinet Sub-Committee responsible for overseeing the national awareness campaign on the dangers of tobacco and nicotine and reviewing cigarette import tariffs.
Under the new approach, the government’s generational smoking ban will be incorporated into the school system as a key component of the national campaign. The Ministry of Health, Family, and Welfare will lead the initiative in coordination with the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Skills Development.
An oversight mechanism will also be established to monitor the implementation and effectiveness of the campaign.
The government plans to take the initiative beyond schools and directly into communities. A designated community focal point will be appointed on every inhabited island to support awareness and engagement at the grassroots level.
During the initial phase, at least one civil society organisation from every atoll will be brought into the campaign, alongside several organisations operating across the Greater Malé region.
The Cabinet also decided to involve youth groups and prominent figures from the sporting community to broaden the campaign’s reach, particularly among younger Maldivians.
As part of the initiative, specific targets will be introduced to encourage athletes to remain completely tobacco-free. The government also plans to require athletes representing Maldives national teams to be tobacco-free.
The measures form part of the government’s wider push to reduce tobacco and nicotine use and prevent younger generations from taking up smoking, placing schools, communities and national sporting institutions at the centre of the effort.
