President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on Wednesday, emphasized the significant associations between tobacco consumption and several perilous non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the Maldives.  

He made the emphasis in a statement issued on World No Tobacco Day.

In his statement, he urged smokers to prioritise their well-being, along with that of their loved ones and the broader community, by giving up tobacco use.

President Solih, emphasizing the potential for more effective utilization of financial resources, also urged smokers to redirect the allocated funds for smoking habits towards supporting their families. He underscored the importance of smoking cessation in minimizing the risk of health complications for individuals close to smokers.

On this note, he conveyed that the financial resources saved through smoking cessation possess the potential to contribute towards aiding individuals afflicted by severe illnesses.

The President, underscoring the prevailing challenges of poverty and famine in various regions worldwide, stressed the significant annual expenditure on tobacco production and distribution, amounting to billions of dollars.

Touching on this year’s theme for No Tobacco Day, set by the World Health Organization, ‘Grow Food, Not Tobacco’; President Solih explained that the theme aims to foster awareness regarding alternative agricultural practices and marketing avenues for tobacco cultivators. He noted the importance of cultivating sustainable and nutritious crops, encouraging tobacco farmers to explore such viable alternatives.