A comprehensive five-year master plan on tobacco control is being formulated with the technical assistance of the World Health Organization (WHO), Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has revealed. The initiative, aimed at creating a tobacco-free society, was launched under the directive of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
Minister Ibrahim disclosed information about formulating the master plan during a panel discussion titled 'Dhafara'. He confirmed that a team of WHO technical experts arrived in the Maldives to assist the relevant authorities in developing the plan. "Work on formulating the plans has already commenced," he announced.
Despite the involvement of WHO technical experts, Minister Ibrahim underscored the importance of public input, stating that since tobacco control is a public issue, the ministry will seek the general public's contributions toward the matter. As part of the administration's efforts to ensure the sustainable enforcement of tobacco control, Minister Ibrahim highlighted the necessity of overcoming challenges through the master plan.
"We will encounter challenges when we attempt such an endeavor. However, the plan will make it easier to take measures to overcome those challenges. Tobacco control is not something a single agency can enforce. The new plan will pave the way for the participation of all relevant institutions. Our aim is to ensure that this plan includes the input and opinion of the public," he said.
The minister also underscored the socio-economic benefits of reducing tobacco use, noting that healthcare savings could be redirected towards education and other vital sectors. The government-driven master plan would receive support and assistance from all state institutions, making enforcement more effective, he said.
"With the support and assistance of everyone, the enforcement of the measures outlined in the master plan will be strengthened," he added.