Minister of Health, Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has emphasised that the success of the “Generation Ban", a landmark national initiative against tobacco, depends on the active involvement and participation of all.
The Minister made the remark while speaking at the launch of the National Torch Run held to mark the implementation of the Generation Ban against tobacco, which takes effect on 1 November. Under this policy, the use and sale of tobacco for anyone born after 1 January 2007 will be prohibited.
Minister Nazim noted that most health issues in the Maldives stem from unhealthy habits that directly expose people to serious illnesses. He stressed that protecting society, especially children, from such harmful habits and promoting healthy lifestyles should be a top priority.
While the Maldives will become the first country to implement a generation ban against tobacco with this policy, the Minister said the bold initiative has attracted international praise.
"The President's implementation of the Generation Ban Act on May 21 this year, and his assurance to protect our younger generation under it, will make the Maldives the first country in the world to implement such a policy. This historic and bold move has been commended by other countries and global health authorities, our President and the government are receiving praise for it,” the Health Minister said.
The Minister further stated that good health is the greatest blessing a person can have, and that gratitude for this blessing is best shown through taking care of it. He reminded that a healthy life is the foundation of a fulfilling existence.
The Minister said the main objective and policies of this government in the health sector are based on building a healthy individual, a healthy family, a healthy society and a healthy Maldives. The government's health policy aims to provide accurate health information, prevent diseases early and ensure effective treatment of illnesses through comprehensive efforts by all relevant institutions, he added.