Maldives receives award for anti-tobacco measures

Maldives has been awarded an international award in recognition of the robust anti-tobacco measures being taken in the country to promote public health. 

The Global Centre for Good Governance in Tobacco Control (GGTC) awarded the Integrity Award to Maldives. 

In granting the award, the GGTC considered Maldives score in their biennial publication, Tobacco Industry Interference Index. 

This index monitors whether tobacco control policies are transparent, sincere, and free from influence of the tobacco industry. 

The Integrity Award was presented to Maldives at the margins of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)'s 11th session of Conference of the Parties being held in Switzerland from November 17 to 22. The award was received on behalf of Maldives by Ambassador Dr. Salma Rasheed.

Maldives has banned the import and use of vapes effective December 15, 2024. 

The start of this month also saw the implementation of a generational ban on tobacco.