A national award will be introduced from next year to recognize individuals and organizations working to reduce tobacco use in Maldives, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said today.

Speaking at the official ceremony marking the Maldives' 61st Independence Day, President Muizzu said the government was implementing a range of measures to protect young people from the harms of tobacco.

He said the generational tobacco ban was introduced at a time when tobacco use had become a growing concern among young people.

From 26 July next year, the government will present an annual National Award to recognize civil society organizations and individuals making significant contributions to tobacco control.

"...a national award will be given to those who have saved the most people from tobacco use," President Muizzu said.

He said the initiative formed part of the government's broader public health policy.

Health Protection Agency (HPA) already presents awards to individuals involved in tobacco control, although these are not conferred as national honors.

The government recently decided to reduce import duty on tobacco products. The move has drawn criticism, while the government has said the change was made following a recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO).