Health Protection Agency (HPA) has extended the deadline for anti-tobacco organizations to apply for financial assistance for tobacco control activities.
In an announcement, HPA said the deadline has been extended from Thursday to September 24 for organizations seeking funding to raise public awareness about tobacco.
The guidelines for funding public awareness campaigns were announced on August 16. Applicants were initially required to submit a concept note within 14 days of the announcement, with further details to be submitted after shortlisted proposals are identified.
Under the guidelines, MVR3 million will be allocated annually to support approved proposals.
The maximum funding available for activities targeting a specific community or island is MVR75,000 to MVR100,000. Activities benefiting people across the Maldives can receive MVR100,000 to MVR300,000.
Projects involving practical activities in more than one area can receive between MVR300,000 and MVR500,000.
Twenty percent of the approved funding can be allocated towards administrative expenses.
The funding will support activities in the following areas:
- Raising public awareness about tobacco prevention and control
- Involving young people in tobacco prevention efforts and increasing their awareness
- Providing support to help people quit smoking
- Community-level advocacy for smoke-free environments
- Preventing tobacco and nicotine product use among children and young people
- Other activities that support national tobacco control efforts
Applications must pass all stages of the assessment process and receive a minimum of 70 marks under the assessment criteria.
