The Government has launched a five-year national campaign aimed at reducing tobacco use and strengthening ongoing efforts to create a tobacco-free generation in the Maldives. 

The campaign was officially launched by Health Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali during a press conference held at the President’s Office to mark World No Tobacco Day. Speaking at the event, the minister highlighted a number of measures already introduced to reduce tobacco use, including the ban on vaping products and the introduction of a generational tobacco ban. She stated that the campaign would run for five years as reducing tobacco use requires sustained efforts over a long period rather than short-term interventions.

The minister stated that the campaign will involve Government institutions, non-governmental organisations and the wider public. Planned activities include awareness programmes, educational initiatives, sports and youth activities, incentives and concessions, as well as stronger enforcement of tobacco-related laws and regulations.

Minister of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development Dr Ismail Shafeeu said anti-tobacco awareness programmes would be incorporated into school-based initiatives, with students and families receiving information on the health and economic harms associated with tobacco use.

Additionally, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness Abdulla Rafiu stated that the Government also plans to work closely with youth organisations and NGOs through advocacy programmes, awareness campaigns, ambassador initiatives and community outreach activities.

The campaign follows a series of tobacco control measures introduced by the current Administration. These include increasing tobacco duties, raising the minimum legal age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21, requiring health warnings on tobacco products and banning the import, sale, distribution and use of vaping devices.

The Government also introduced a generational tobacco ban, which came into effect on November 1, 2025, permanently prohibiting the purchase and use of tobacco products by individuals born on or after January 1, 2007. Authorities have described the measures as part of broader efforts to reduce tobacco use and improve public health outcomes in the Maldives.