President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting future generations from the harms of tobacco and nicotine addiction, highlighting a series of landmark reforms introduced under his administration to strengthen public health protections.
In a message shared on social media to mark World No Tobacco Day, the President pointed to several measures implemented over the past two years, including the ban on electronic cigarettes and the introduction of what has been described as the world’s first generational tobacco ban.
According to President Muizzu, while significant progress has been made in tobacco control, new challenges continue to emerge. He specifically highlighted the growing popularity of flavoured nicotine pouches and increasingly sophisticated marketing tactics, including the use of artificial intelligence-driven advertising aimed at younger audiences.
The President stressed that the government remains vigilant against these evolving threats and will continue to strengthen tobacco control policies in the years ahead.
He said efforts will focus not only on stricter regulation and enforcement but also on expanding smoking cessation services, strengthening smoke-free environments and introducing further legislative reforms designed to protect public health.
The Maldives has gained international attention in recent years for its aggressive stance on tobacco control. The country has implemented a number of measures aimed at reducing smoking rates and limiting access to nicotine products, particularly among young people.
One of the most notable reforms was the prohibition of electronic cigarettes and vaping products, alongside legislation preventing future generations from legally purchasing tobacco products. The policy drew international attention and positioned the Maldives among the most proactive countries globally in tobacco regulation.
The country’s efforts have also received recognition from international health organizations.
In 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) awarded President Muizzu its World No Tobacco Day Special Recognition Award in acknowledgement of his leadership in advancing tobacco control measures.
More recently, the President was included in the TIME100 Most Influential People in Health list for 2026, with tobacco control reforms cited among the key factors behind the recognition.
World No Tobacco Day is observed globally each year on May 31 to raise awareness about the health, social and economic consequences of tobacco use and to encourage stronger measures to reduce tobacco consumption.
Health authorities have repeatedly warned that tobacco-related illnesses remain one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide, making tobacco control a major public health priority for governments around the globe.
President Muizzu’s latest remarks signal that the Maldives intends to continue pursuing some of the region’s strongest anti-tobacco policies as part of broader efforts to improve public health and safeguard future generations.
