Maldives Receives International Recognition For Anti-Tobacco Campaign

The Maldives has received international recognition for its uncompromising efforts to reduce tobacco use, earning the Integrity Award from the Global Center for Good Governance in Tobacco Control (GGTC).

Officials described the award as an important milestone in the country’s ongoing work to build a healthier society and ensure a more prosperous future for Maldivians.

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The award was presented during the Eleventh Conference of the Parties to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Dr Salma Rasheed, Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations Office in Geneva, accepted the honour on behalf of the government.

Government representatives said the accolade reflects both international endorsement and the cooperative support that has strengthened the Maldives’ sustained campaign against tobacco. They noted that the recognition validates the country’s consistent and deliberate policy measures.

Key initiatives implemented by the government include a ban on the use of electronic cigarettes and vapes, and increased duties on traditional tobacco products. The government has also introduced legislation prohibiting tobacco use from a specified age and enacted a generational ban aimed at preventing future uptake. Officials said these measures have positioned the Maldives as a model for countries engaged in the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control process, an achievement acknowledged by relevant authorities.

The GGTC, which conferred the award, is an international organisation based in Bangkok, Thailand. The centre works to protect public health policies from interference by the tobacco industry and promotes transparency and accountability while challenging the influence of tobacco manufacturers worldwide.