Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has announced plans to introduce an award for anti-tobacco advocacy.
He made the announcement at an official function held in Veymandoo Island of Thaa Atoll to mark World No Tobacco Day.
The proposed award for anti-tobacco advocacy is titled “Public Health Excellence Award”.
Speaking at the function, Health Minister Nazim said that 35 percent of the male population of the country and 3.4 percent of female population are tobacco users, adding that over 46 million cigarettes were imported into the country last year.
Minister Nazim said the ministry would continue to combat tobacco through prevention strategies and programmes.
He also urged the corporate sector to follow the footsteps of smaller businesses in discontinuing sale of tobacco.
At the ceremony held to mark the World No Tobacco Day, the “no tobacco award” was conferred to National Drug Agency (NDA).
Certificates were also presented to businesses in Veymandoo which had ceased the sale of tobacco products.