Education Ministry Tasked With School-Level Implementation of Generational Tobacco Ban

The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development has been tasked with implementing the Maldives’ generational tobacco ban within the school system, as the government steps up its national campaign on the dangers of tobacco and nicotine.

According to the President’s Office, the Cabinet made the decision during its meeting on Sunday following a presentation by the sub-committee overseeing the national tobacco and nicotine awareness campaign and reviewing cigarette import duties. The Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare will lead the broader national awareness campaign, while the Education Ministry will co-ordinate the ban’s implementation at school level and establish a framework to oversee the campaign.

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The generational tobacco ban came into effect in November 2025, prohibiting people born on or after January 1, 2007, from using, purchasing, selling, possessing or exchanging tobacco products. The measure was introduced as part of government efforts to reduce tobacco use among future generations and was accompanied by other measures, including an increase in tobacco import duties.

The government has since reversed the increase in tobacco import duties, restoring the rates to their previous levels. The latest Cabinet decision therefore focuses on strengthening awareness and implementation of measures that remain in force, including the generational ban.

The Cabinet also decided to involve civil society organisations in the campaign, with the Health Ministry to designate a representative from every inhabited island. The initial phase aims to involve at least one NGO from each atoll, alongside multiple organisations in the Malé region.

The campaign will also involve island-based Youth Associates and active sports figures. The government plans to set targets to promote tobacco abstinence among athletes and ensure that only tobacco-free athletes represent national teams.