President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has urged the public to work together to protect future generations from nicotine addiction and support the country's vision of a healthier, tobacco-free society.

In a message issued to mark World No Tobacco Day, the President said tobacco use and nicotine dependence continue to pose serious challenges to public health, contributing to disease, disability, and broader social and economic burdens in the Maldives and around the world.

He emphasized the need for governments to strengthen efforts aimed at safeguarding communities from the harmful effects of tobacco while addressing the tobacco industry's ongoing attempts to attract younger consumers through addictive nicotine products.

The President highlighted several measures introduced by the Maldives to combat tobacco use, including the nationwide ban on e-cigarettes and the implementation of a Tobacco-Free Generation policy in 2025, making the country the first in the world to adopt such legislation.

He also noted that access to smoking cessation services has been expanded and smoke-free areas increased as part of broader efforts to achieve the long-term goal of a tobacco-free Maldives.

At the same time, President Dr. Muizzu warned of emerging challenges, including flavoured nicotine pouches and the growing use of artificial intelligence-driven marketing techniques to promote nicotine products.

He stressed that these developments require continued vigilance and stronger regulatory responses.

According to the President, the government is reviewing additional tobacco control measures, including tax policies, pricing mechanisms, and legislative reforms to further reduce tobacco consumption.