Maldives launches tobacco quitline to help smokers kick the habit

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) of Maldives launched a tobacco quitline on Sunday to help people quit smoking.

The HPA has asked people to call the quitline at 1676 for expert guidance and assistance to help quit smoking.

The decision to launch the special helpline was announced by Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim last week. According to Nazim, the decision was made to ensure 24/7 accessibility to smoking cessation services.

Also last week, the cabinet decided to establish tobacco cessation clinics in all residential islands of the Maldives. The cabinet also approved plans to supply all cities and atoll-hospital based islands with smoking cessation medications via the State Trading Organization (STO).

Introducing Tobacco Quit Line 1676 – Your Support for a Tobacco-Free Life. Reach out anytime for expert guidance and assistance on your journey to quit tobacco.#quittobacco#beatNCDs#25by30#HealthForAll#DhafaraaForTobaccoFreeNextGen pic.twitter.com/G1PD4oDyIf

— Health Protection Agency (@HPA_MV) December 8, 2024

Last month, the Maldives enacted legislature increasing the specific rate of import duty on cigarettes and beedi from MVR 3 to MVR 8, and the ad valorem tax on the products by 50 percent.

Tobacco importers and distributors raised the prices of cigarettes following this change, with the price of common cigarette brands rising between MVR 240 to MVR 290 per pack, and MVR 2,240 per carton.

Store owners have reported a decline in the sale of cigarettes following the change.

Maldives has also enacted legislature which banned the import of e-cigarettes, vaping devices and spare parts on November 15.

Meanwhile, the use, possession, production, sale, distribution and advertisement of e-cigarettes and vaping devices will be banned starting December 15.

The government projects the tax hikes on tobacco products will result in an additional MVR 1.05 billion in tax revenue next year.