President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that individual well-being will contribute to the development of the nation. The President made this statement while speaking at the launching ceremony of the "Policy on graphic health warning labeling on tobacco products" held at Maldives National University this morning as part of the key pledges of this administration.

 

In his speech, the President noted that transforming every Maldivian to a healthy person is one of the main policies of this administration. Also, noted that the main objective of today’s step forward was to make more people aware of the harmfulness of tobacco and banning selling of single cigarettes. 

 

Speaking in this regard the President stated that regardless of launching a policy on graphic health warning labeling on tobacco products, it will be ineffective unless everyone commits righteously. Similarly, he emphasized that everyone must have the goal of banning tobacco and welcoming a healthy lifestyle.    

 

During the ceremony, the President underscored that most deaths in the Maldives are caused by non communicable diseases. And that the main risk factor for causing such non communicable diseases is tobacco. Moreover, recent statistics at Aasanda has shown that the top 5 diseases that Aasanda covers the expenses for are caused due to tobacco consumption. Therefore the President advised everyone to think about this fact and avoid the consumption of tobacco. 

 

Among the participants of the today’s ceremony include the Vice President Faisal Naseem, Cabinet ministers, senior officials at the government, senior officials and students of MNU.