President Muizzu aims for Maldives to be free from lifestyle diseases

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to make the Maldives a nation free from lifestyle diseases, stressing that his government will invest not only in treatment but also in prevention.

Speaking at a meeting with residents of Thaa Atoll Veymandoo, the President highlighted the upcoming “Generation Ban” on tobacco as a key step in protecting public health. The ban, which takes effect on November 1 next year, will prohibit the sale of tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2007.

“The government will invest to eliminate tobacco dependency. This is my promise, my manifesto, and my policy to safeguard the health of the people, for the people,” President Muizzu said.

“This will benefit future generations, and I am confident the people will welcome it.”

He further outlined plans to increase duties on cigarettes and enforce a nationwide ban on vaping and e-cigarettes, based on amendments to the Tobacco Control Act. Sellers will be required to verify age using official identification before selling tobacco products, ensuring compliance with the generational ban.

The President emphasised that health is among his top priorities, with a vision to shift focus from treating illnesses to preventing them.

“For too long, governments have acted only after people fall ill. I want to provide protection at the government level before disease strikes. In a society of fewer than half a million people, we can eliminate lifestyle diseases. It is not a difficult task,” he said.

President Muizzu added that the government’s broader health strategy includes investments in both pre-disease prevention and post-disease treatment, with the ultimate aim of building a healthier, stronger nation.