Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has emphasised that everyone has the right to not smoke. The Minister made the remark while speaking at an event organised by several United Nations agencies and local associations to mark the World No Tobacco Day at the Artificial Beach area on Saturday evening.
Speaking at the event, Minister Nazim stressed the need to reflect on how smoking infringes on the rights of non-smokers. The Minister noted that many people are exposed to the act because of the actions of smokers. He said that this deprives people of their right to good health, and therefore, the rights of non-smokers should be ensured.
The Maldivian government has now begun to take strong measures against tobacco, the Minister noted, highlighting some of these measures. He noted that the government was working to train professionals and bring more people into the field to provide cessation treatment. He further emphasised that treatment to quit smoking through the Aasandha scheme has been arranged for the first time.
At the event, a special award was presented by the Minister of Health for their efforts in combatting tobacco use.
The World No Tobacco Day is globally observed on 31 May every year. The day was first celebrated in 1988. This year's theme is “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.”
Initiated by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the purpose of this day is to raise awareness about the health, social and economic impacts of tobacco use and to advocate for tobacco control.