President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the additional funds generated from a recent tobacco tax increase will be directed towards smoking cessation programmes and efforts to address tobacco-related diseases.

In his Presidential Address today, the President outlined how the funds would be used to support national efforts aimed at reducing tobacco use. The revenue will be allocated towards preventive health care, treatment for smoking-related illnesses, and public awareness campaigns about the dangers of tobacco use.

The Government plans to establish smoking cessation clinics in every inhabited island and make cessation medications widely available through the State Trading Organization (STO) in hospitals and medical centres across the country.

The President called for collective action to combat tobacco use, urging the public to take part in the national effort to reduce smoking and protect the health of future generations.