Govt targets tobacco-free national teams under expanded campaign

The government has announced plans to expand its national anti-tobacco campaign, including measures aimed at ensuring that athletes representing the Maldives at national level are free from tobacco use.

The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting held on Sunday and was disclosed by the President's Office on Tuesday night.

According to the President's Office, the Cabinet approved a series of measures to strengthen and broaden the anti-tobacco campaign across the country.

As part of the initiative, the government will establish a framework to coordinate campaign activities and engagement with stakeholders.

The Cabinet also decided to increase the involvement of civil society organisations in the campaign. Under the first phase of implementation, the government plans to engage at least one non-governmental organisation from each atoll, in addition to organisations based in the Greater Malé Region.

The campaign will also seek participation from island youth associates and individuals involved in sports.

According to the President's Office, the government intends to use the campaign to promote tobacco-free lifestyles among athletes and young people.

“To achieve the target that participation in any national team is restricted to athletes who refrain entirely from tobacco use, the Cabinet has decided to set specific targets aimed at encouraging athletes to remain tobacco-free,” the President's Office said in a statement.

The announcement forms part of the government's broader anti-tobacco efforts, which have included measures aimed at reducing tobacco consumption and increasing public awareness of its effects.

Further details on the implementation of the campaign and the targets for national athletes have not yet been released.