Minister Geela says government has taken stronger steps than any previous administration to protect public health and curb tobacco use

The government marked World No Tobacco Day with an official ceremony in M. Mulah on Friday evening, officiated by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, who launched the National Anti‑Tobacco Campaign.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Health, Family and Social Affairs Geela Ali said the administration of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu places greater importance on protecting public health, and shielding communities from harmful habits such as smoking, than any government before it.

The minister said that while there had been disappointment in past efforts to control tobacco use, the situation had now changed.

The National Tobacco Control Campaign was officially launched at the event. The minister described it as a wrap‑around initiative designed to raise awareness, expand cessation services for those wishing to quit smoking, and strengthen enforcement of laws and regulations. The aim, she said, is to work with institutions and civil society organisations to protect the country from the dangers of tobacco in a sustainable manner.

Unveiling the National Anti-Tobacco Campaign logo - officially launched by First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed.#WorldNoTobaccoDay2026 #HealthyMaldives #TobaccoFreeMaldives pic.twitter.com/l8mw53T2xS

— Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare (@MoHmv) June 27, 2026

Geela said strong measures such as banning the import and sale of vape products and introducing a “generational ban” had been implemented over the past two years.

“The government has started implementing many strong environmental and sustainable measures to control tobacco and protect today’s and tomorrow’s generations in the past two years. The good results will be seen soon, God willing,” she said.

Her remarks come as a bill has been submitted to Parliament to reduce the previously increased cigarette duty, from MVR 8 per cigarette, back to MVR 4.

The bill has now been forwarded to committee for review. At a press conference held on 31 May to mark World No Tobacco Day, Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan said the government’s decision to increase tobacco duty from MVR 3.50 to MVR 8 had been a difficult one, and that the administration was now considering reducing it by half based on guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO).

However, Minister Geela had not been able to answer a question posed by MDP Parliamentary Group Deputy Leader and Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad (Fitte) regarding the government’s decision to reduce cigarette prices. She said she would respond to the question later.