Maldivians spend approximately 1.6 billion rufiyaa on tobacco on an annual basis as per the Health Protection Agency (HPA). This figure was released in the report published by HPA for the World No Tobacco Day 2019.
According to the report, 462 million cigarettes are imported in to Maldives on an annual basis and the rate of cigarette consumption in Maldives is at an alarming level.
Every year, over 84% die from non-contagious diseases in Maldives. The 7 diseases to which most people requested for treatment from Maldives are all related to tobacco consumption as per Aasandha.
A demographic health survey conducted form 2016-2017 showed that from those aged 15-49 24.4% men and 2.7% women consume tobacco. In addition, a survey conducted in 2014 on students of ages 13-17 showed that 12.3% students smoked. Out of this 12.3% male students took up 17.5% while females took up 6.8%.
