TikTok challenge for healthier chewing of areca nuts

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has begun a TikTok challenge to raise awareness in finding healthier ways to chew areca nuts which is used as a natural mouth freshener. 

The challenge was started by the agency in connection with World Cancer Day, in order to change chewing of areca nuts from days past into a healthier version of itself, with the challenge having a deadline of Saturday.

HPA stated that to participate in the challenge, contestants are to tag HPA and Dhiraagu fans. The hashtags for the contest are #UnitedbyUnique_WDC2026 and #healthydhufun.

HPA said that the TikTok's can include dancing, comedy or something closely related to the Maldivian community.

Those who win first in the challenge will win a cash prize of MVR 5,000.

One of the biggest factors of mouth cancer in Maldives is chewing of areca nuts. HPA has called to move away from the practice.