First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has urged tobacco users across the Maldives to take decisive steps to quit smoking, emphasizing that overcoming tobacco addiction is essential to protecting individual health and creating healthier communities.
Speaking at the official World No Tobacco Day commemoration held at the Mulak School Hall in Meemu Atoll, the First Lady described the launch of the national anti-tobacco campaign as the beginning of a long-term effort to reduce tobacco use and encourage healthier lifestyles nationwide.
She said the five-year initiative is expected to strengthen the message of this year’s World No Tobacco Day campaign while promoting lasting behavioural change among the public.
Highlighting tobacco use as a major public health concern, the First Lady stressed that tackling the issue requires a collective national effort. She called on all Maldivians to work together to reduce tobacco consumption and help build a tobacco-free society.
The First Lady also encouraged cafés, restaurants and other businesses to play a more active role in supporting tobacco control efforts, noting that stronger private sector participation is vital to protecting communities from the harmful effects of tobacco.
During the ceremony, she officially unveiled the logo for the national “Anti-Tobacco Campaign: Time to Quit”, which was first announced on 31 May to mark World No Tobacco Day and officially launched during the event.
As part of the programme, the First Lady participated in a live canvas activity and signed a public pledge encouraging people to reject tobacco and help create healthier communities.
The event also featured the presentation of the Health Minister’s Award for Tobacco Control Excellence, recognising individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to tobacco control initiatives in the Maldives.
Following the ceremony, the First Lady viewed student entries submitted for a World No Tobacco Day poster competition at Mulak School, met with the winners, and toured exhibition stalls prepared by students and teachers highlighting the dangers of tobacco use.
Among those attending the event were Minister of Health, Family and Welfare Geela Ali, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness Abdulla Rafiu, the World Health Organization Representative to the Maldives, Ms. Payden, and Mulaku constituency MP Ibrahim Naufal.
During her visit, the First Lady also inaugurated the M. Mulaku Fitness and Recreation Centre before touring the new facility. The establishment of fitness and recreation centres, along with outdoor gyms on every inhabited island, forms part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s national development pledges.
