First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has called on Maldivian businesses to take the initiative in saving the Maldivian community from the plague that is smoking.

While speaking as an honorable guest during the inauguration ceremony celebrating World No Tobacco Day 2026 at M. Mulaka, First Lady Sajidha said that the damage caused by smoking to health can be described as a disaster to health that will go on for generations.

Along with smokers, those around them or "second-hand smokers" would also experience negative health effects, said First Lady Sajidha.

"When thinking of the negative effects of smoking, it is just money being wasted. Expenses that harm the body. Secondly, it is an obstacle to living. Lung diseases, cancer, heart issues, it is a poison that fails internal bodily systems," said the First Lady.

While gesturing to the slogan for World No Tobacco Day 2026, Sajidha stated that there are new techniques being used to advertise tobacco unlike before, and that even children are becoming addicted to smoking.

According to Sajidha, the use of sheesha and modern products such as vapes open a dangerous path for children in being introduced to drugs.

She highlighted that society as a whole needs to be awake and work towards a common goal, with her appealing to businesses to take part in this effort.

"I call on those who manage café's and restaurants to take the initiative in saving our nation from the scourge that is smoking," said Sajidha.

While stating that no one would want to harm their body in any way, First Lady Sajidha has called to work with renewed determination to move away from the smoking epidemic.