President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has renewed the Government’s commitment to protecting the Maldives from tobacco and nicotine addiction on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day.

In a post shared on his official X account, President Dr Muizzu highlighted a series of tobacco control measures introduced under his Administration, including the ban on electronic cigarettes and the Maldives becoming the first country in the world to implement a generational tobacco ban.

The President noted that emerging threats continue to pose challenges to tobacco control efforts, including flavoured nicotine pouches and artificial intelligence-driven marketing strategies aimed at young people.

He stated that the Government will remain vigilant and continue strengthening tobacco control measures, smoking cessation services, smoke-free environments and legislative reforms to safeguard public health.

The Maldives has introduced several landmark tobacco control policies in recent years, earning international recognition for its efforts. In 2025, the World Health Organization honoured President Dr Muizzu with its World No Tobacco Day Special Recognition Award for his leadership in advancing tobacco control measures.

President Dr Muizzu was also named among the TIME100 Most Influential People in Health in 2026, in recognition of the Administration’s extensive tobacco control reforms.

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed echoed the President's sentiments, stating that young people deserve the opportunity to grow up free from nicotine addiction.

In a post on her official X account, the First Lady said the Maldives has taken historic steps to combat tobacco and nicotine use. However, she stressed that awareness, education and collective action remain essential to protecting future generations from addiction.