President announces national award for tobacco cessation efforts
He said the initiative is intended to support and recognise the work of civil society organisations involved in tobacco cessation.
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President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the government will introduce a national award from next year to recognise individuals and organisations that help people stop using tobacco.
Speaking at the official Independence Day ceremony on Sunday, the President said the award would be presented annually on 26 July to those who help the highest number of people quit tobacco use.
He said the initiative is intended to support and recognise the work of civil society organisations involved in tobacco cessation.
The President said the government's tobacco control measures include the introduction of a generational tobacco ban aimed at preventing young people from taking up tobacco use.
"While our society was sliding into and drowning in vape addiction, we saved it from that grip by banning vapes. Therefore, to assist and recognise civil society groups and organisations working to distance people from tobacco use in this country, we have decided that starting from July 26 next year, a National Award will be presented every Independence Day to honour those who free the highest number of people from the habit of tobacco use," he said.
President Muizzu also referred to the government's decision to reduce import duty on cigarettes after increasing the tax around 18 months earlier.
He said the revision was made because the higher tax had led some users to switch from cigarettes to lower-priced tobacco products, which he said posed greater health risks.
