2022 - Q3
Building a Foundation for Tobacco Control in the Maldives
This report details the initial efforts to establish a strong foundation for a comprehensive tobacco control program in the Maldives. The primary focus was on stakeholder engagement, building partnerships, and understanding the current tobacco control landscape.
Key Activities
- Establishing Partnerships Forging connections with key stakeholders, including NGOs, Women's Development Committees (WDCs), government agencies (like the Health Protection Agency - HPA), and media outlets. This involved forming steering committees with NGOs and securing commitments from influential WDCs across various atolls.
- Raising Public Awareness Launching a media campaign to promote tobacco control through TV programs, articles, and songs. This aimed to educate the public and generate support for the gazettement of pending tobacco control regulations.
- Laying the Groundwork for Research Initiating a nationwide survey to assess public awareness and enforcement of existing tobacco control laws and regulations. This research will inform future project activities and strategies.
Significant Achievements
- Strong Stakeholder Engagement Successfully formed steering committees with NGOs and established relationships with influential WDCs in key atolls.
- Increased Public Awareness Generated public discourse on tobacco control through various media platforms.
- Collaboration with HPA Secured vital information and materials for the upcoming survey and toolkit development through consultations with the HPA.
Challenges
- Lack of Enforcement Initial findings indicate a lack of enforcement of tobacco control laws and regulations outside of the Greater Male' area.
- Limited Capacity The HPA faces challenges in effectively monitoring and enforcing tobacco control policies due to limited human resources.
- Potential Opposition Anticipate opposition from the tobacco industry, including businesses and politicians with vested interests.
2022 - Q4
Strengthening Tobacco Control through Awareness and Policy Action
This report highlights the shift towards concrete actions to strengthen tobacco control in the Maldives. The focus is on public awareness campaigns, policy advocacy, and building capacity for effective implementation of tobacco control measures.
Key Activities
- Policy Advocacy Engaging with the Ministry of Health's legal team to discuss existing regulations, identify gaps, and advocate for the development of new, more effective tobacco control regulations.
- Youth Engagement Partnering with the Ministry of Youth to develop programs targeting different youth categories and sports associations to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use.
- Community Mobilisation Collaborating with the Male' City Council and WDCs to plan and implement tobacco control awareness programs at the community level.
- Public Awareness Campaigns Conducting media forums and awareness events to educate the public about tobacco control laws and the importance of compliance.
Significant Achievements
- Policy Dialogue Initiated discussions with the Ministry of Health on strengthening tobacco control regulations.
- Toolkit Development Developed a comprehensive toolkit to guide project activities and resource management.
- Partnership with Ministry of Youth Secured a partnership with the Ministry of Youth to conduct monthly awareness programs focused on youth.
Challenges
- Lack of Effective Regulations The absence of comprehensive and enforceable tobacco control regulations remains a significant challenge.
- Limited Public Awareness A lack of public awareness regarding tobacco control laws and their importance hinders effective implementation.
- Securing Stakeholder Support Gaining consistent support from stakeholders in enforcing tobacco control measures remains crucial.
Overall, the project demonstrates a clear progression from initial groundwork and relationship building to more concrete actions aimed at strengthening tobacco control policies and raising public awareness.
2023 - Q1
Expanding Reach and Building Momentum for a Tobacco-Free Maldives
This report focuses on expanding the project's reach through increased community engagement, youth-focused initiatives, and strategic partnerships. It highlights the efforts to build a sustainable platform for tobacco control in the Maldives by empowering local communities and advocating for stronger policies.
Key Activities
- Community Engagement Reaching out to island councils and Women's Development Committees (WDCs) across 9 islands to promote the "I am Against" campaign and conduct awareness programs.
- Youth Engagement Partnering with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to develop youth-focused programs, including awareness sessions for college and university students and sports associations.
- Smoke-Free Zones Initiating discussions with Hulhumale' Hospital and Housing Development Corporation to establish Hulhumale' as a smoke-free zone.
- Media Outreach Continuing to disseminate information about the risks of tobacco use through television, radio, online newspapers, and blogs.
- Toolkit Development Creating a toolkit to streamline project implementation and facilitate efficient responses to emerging challenges.
- "Smoke is Not Cool" Campaign Planning a public advocacy campaign in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth to discourage tobacco use among youth.
- Research and Policy Advocacy Preparing a proposal for a study to assess the implementation of tobacco-related laws and regulations in the Maldives.
Significant Achievements
- Island Outreach Successfully engaged with island councils and WDCs in 9 islands, fostering local ownership and promoting community-led tobacco control initiatives.
- Youth Engagement Strategy Secured a partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to implement youth-focused programs and awareness campaigns.
- Hulhumale' Smoke-Free Initiative Initiated discussions to establish Hulhumale' as a smoke-free zone, showcasing a commitment to creating healthy environments.
- Awareness in Faafu Atoll Conducted a successful awareness program in Faafu Atoll's Magoodhoo Island, engaging local communities and advocating for a tobacco-free island.
- Stakeholder Collaboration Forged partnerships with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and private sector organizations, to promote collaboration and collective action.
Challenges
- Regulatory Gaps The lack of effective tobacco control regulations and enforcement mechanisms remains a significant challenge.
- Stakeholder Commitment Securing consistent dedication from all stakeholders, including policymakers and implementing agencies, is crucial for long-term success.
- Public Awareness Raising public awareness about the harms of tobacco and the importance of adhering to tobacco control laws remains a priority.
This report demonstrates the project's commitment to expanding its reach and impact through grassroots mobilization, strategic partnerships, and targeted interventions. The focus on youth engagement, community ownership, and policy advocacy sets the stage for sustainable progress toward a tobacco-free Maldives.
2023 - Q2
Navigating Challenges and Expanding Partnerships for a Smoke-Free Maldives
This report highlights the project's resilience in the face of challenges, including the upcoming presidential election and the relocation of the Health Protection Agency (HPA). Despite these hurdles, significant progress was made in policy advocacy, community engagement, and enforcement of tobacco control measures.
Key Activities
- Political Engagement Engaging with political parties to advocate for smoke-free public environments and secure support for tobacco control policies.
- Community Outreach Expanding community engagement efforts to Faafu Atoll, Alif Alif Atoll, Alif Dhaal Atoll, Raa Atoll, and Kaafu Atoll, working with local focal points like WDCs and NGOs.
- Enforcement of Regulations Conducting awareness sessions with the Maldives Customs Service and Maldives Police Service to enhance enforcement of tobacco control laws.
- Awareness Campaign Expansion Extending the awareness project to F. Magoodhoo Island, where the community is planning awareness boards and a youth-led campaign.
- Policy Development: Collaborating with HPA to map implementers' roles, study revised regulations, and draft a Tobacco Advertisement, Promotion, and Sponsorship Ban (TAPS) regulation.
- Revised Tobacco Ban Law Assisting HPA in gazetting the revised Tobacco Ban Law in public areas, which has been approved by the Attorney General's office.
- Materials Development Developing informative leaflets, awareness materials, social media content, and workplace tools to promote compliance and behavioral change.
Significant Achievements
- Increased Enforcement Successful collaboration with the Maldives Police Service led to increased enforcement of fines for smoking in prohibited public areas.
- NGO Partnerships Expanded collaboration with new NGOs, broadening the project's reach and impact.
- Community-Led Initiatives F. Magoodhoo Island community initiated awareness boards and a youth awareness campaign, demonstrating local ownership and commitment.
- Policy Progress Completed the zero draft of the TAPS Ban regulation and initiated stakeholder consultations for the revised Tobacco Ban Law.
Challenges
- Political Climate The upcoming presidential election diverted attention and support from the project, particularly from government authorities.
- Community Engagement Varied responses from different island communities, with some showing less interest in tobacco control efforts.
- HPA Relocation The relocation of HPA presented logistical challenges and potentially hindered collaboration.
Despite these challenges, the project demonstrated significant progress in advocating for policy changes, strengthening enforcement, and fostering community engagement. The commitment to collaboration with various stakeholders, including political parties, NGOs, and government agencies, remains crucial for achieving a smoke-free Maldives.
2023 - Q3
Assessing the Political Climate and Fortifying Tobacco Control Initiatives
This report focuses on the project's strategic efforts to navigate the political landscape during the presidential election period while continuing to advance tobacco control policies. The emphasis is on engaging with the incoming government, lobbying influential individuals, and collaborating with the HPA to strengthen implementation and enforcement mechanisms.
Key Activities
- Government Engagement Preparing for collaboration with the incoming government by engaging with the HPA and political parties to discuss tobacco control priorities.
- Policy Advocacy Drafting a policy briefing paper and a cabinet paper to present to the Ministry of Health and the incoming cabinet, respectively, highlighting the importance of tobacco control and proposing strategies for prevention and mitigation.
- Lobbying Influential Individuals Engaging with political parties, individual politicians, and presidential candidates to advocate for the prioritization of tobacco control in their agendas.
- Public Awareness Utilizing television programs and previously developed materials to raise public awareness about the importance of implementing and enforcing tobacco control laws and regulations.
- Continued Enforcement Continuing awareness sessions with the Maldives Customs Service and Maldives Police Service to reinforce the enforcement of tobacco control laws.
- Community Engagement Maintaining engagement with island communities, including awareness campaigns and youth-led initiatives.
- Policy Development Continuing collaboration with HPA on mapping implementers' roles, studying revised regulations, and drafting the TAPS Ban regulation.
- Revised Tobacco Ban Law Working towards finalizing the revised Tobacco Ban Law in public areas by incorporating stakeholder input and preparing for government submission.
- Materials Development Developing informative leaflets, awareness materials, social media content, and workplace tools to promote compliance and behavioral change.
Significant Achievements
- Engagement with Incoming Government Successfully initiated dialogue with the incoming government and political parties on tobacco control priorities.
- Policy Papers Developed a policy briefing paper and a cabinet paper to advocate for stronger tobacco control measures at the highest levels of government.
- Influencing Political Agendas Successfully lobbied political parties and individual politicians to include tobacco control in their manifestos and agendas.
- Continued Enforcement Maintained momentum in enforcing tobacco control laws, resulting in a significant number of fines for smoking in prohibited public areas.
- Community-Led Initiatives Sustained community engagement efforts, including awareness campaigns and youth-led initiatives, to promote local ownership and action.
Challenges:
- Political Distractions The presidential election presented challenges in securing consistent support and attention from government authorities and political figures.
- Varied Community Responses Continued to face varied responses from different island communities, requiring tailored approaches to engagement.
Despite the challenges posed by the political climate, the project demonstrated significant progress in engaging with the incoming government, influencing political agendas, and strengthening tobacco control policies. The continued focus on collaboration, community engagement, and enforcement is crucial for achieving a smoke-free Maldives.
2023 - Q4
Securing Government Support and Expanding Community Mobilization
This report highlights significant progress in securing government support for tobacco control and expanding community mobilization efforts. Despite the ongoing challenges posed by the presidential election, the project successfully engaged with the new government and laid the groundwork for implementing stronger tobacco control regulations.
Key Activities
- Engaging the New Government Successfully convened with the newly appointed Deputy Minister for Legal Affairs in the Ministry of Health (MoH), securing a commitment to enact tobacco control regulations within three months.
- Policy Development Obtained stakeholder input on the Smoke-Free Public Places Regulation and disseminated the final draft in a stakeholder workshop, including representatives from the President's Office and Attorney General's Office.
- TAPS Regulation Drafted a new Tobacco Advertisement, Promotion, and Sponsorship Ban (TAPS) regulation and shared the final draft with the MoH.
- Community Mobilization Communicated with atolls to initiate tobacco control activities, with Faafu and HDH Atolls agreeing to participate and completing preparatory work.
- Sensitization Programs Initiated the formulation of a Training of Trainers (TOT) manual and made necessary arrangements for sensitization sessions in Faafu and HDH Atolls.
- Technical Team Selection Visited HDH. Kulhudufushi to select a technical team comprising Maldives Police Service officials, educational institutions, and other government institutions to support tobacco control activities.
- Expanding Sensitization Discussed expanding sensitization programs with HPA, with RAAH Atoll proposed as the third atoll to conduct sensitization sessions.
- Materials Development Continued developing training manuals, presentations, and other materials for sensitization programs targeting government stakeholders, focal points, the private sector, and individuals.
- Tobacco Vendor Licensing Hired a local consultant to develop regulations for tobacco vendor licensing in compliance with WHO FCTC guidelines and government regulations.
Significant Achievements
- Government Commitment Secured a commitment from the MoH legal team to enact two major tobacco control regulations (Smoke-Free Public Places and TAPS) within three months.
- Stakeholder Engagement Successfully engaged with stakeholders, including the President's Office and Attorney General's Office, to finalize the Smoke-Free Public Places Regulation.
- Community Mobilization Secured the participation of Faafu and HDH Atolls in sensitization programs and shared official communications regarding TOT training sessions.
- Expanding Reach Planned expansion of sensitization programs to RAAH Atoll, demonstrating a commitment to reaching more communities.
Challenges:
- Government Transition The presidential election and government transition period presented challenges in initiating programs as scheduled due to the reliance on government collaboration.
- Public Apathy Noted a lack of public concern regarding health issues related to tobacco, highlighting the need for increased awareness efforts.
- Filaria Outbreak The filaria outbreak in the Maldives presented obstacles in initiating MFF work, particularly the TOT training, which was postponed.
Despite these challenges, the project demonstrated significant progress in securing government support, finalizing key regulations, and mobilizing communities. The commitment to collaboration with government institutions, HPA, and local communities remains crucial for achieving a smoke-free Maldives.
2024 - Q1
Overcoming Challenges and Advancing Tobacco Control through Awareness and Policy Action
This report demonstrates the project's perseverance in the face of political challenges and technical obstacles. Despite these hurdles, the Maldives Family Foundation (MFF) successfully advanced its tobacco control agenda through community awareness programs, research initiatives, and policy development.
Key Activities
- TOT Training Communicated with atolls to schedule Training of Trainers (TOT) sessions focused on tobacco awareness and law implementation. Faced challenges due to the Parliament Election and Ramadan but secured availability for late April and May 2024 in Faafu Atoll, H. Alif Atoll, and H. Dhaalu Atoll.
- Research on Tobacco Regulations Assigned a new consultant to conduct research on the implementation of tobacco regulations after the initial consultant was unable to complete the work. The new consultant, in collaboration with the Islamic University of Maldives, developed a research proposal and instruments, completed focus group discussions, and is currently collecting data.
- Policy Development Continued discussions with the Ministry of Health (MoH) on the enactment of three regulations: Smoke-Free Public Places Regulation, Vendor Licensing Regulation, and Advertising Ban Regulation.
- Tobacco Vendor Licensing Conducted meetings with stakeholders, including the MoH and HPA, to finalize the Vendor Licensing Regulation, aiming for enactment by the end of May 2024.
- Awareness Programs Conducted radio awareness programs focusing on different aspects of tobacco control and advocacy programs targeting politicians. Held an awareness program in Alif Alif Bodufulhadhoo for school parents and teachers to address emerging issues of tobacco use among students.
- No Smoking Signs Held meetings with stakeholders to design more effective no-smoking signs, resulting in a decision to install larger billboards with impactful imagery and messaging in crowded public places.
Significant Achievements
- TOT Training Scheduled Successfully scheduled TOT training sessions in three atolls (Faafu, H. Alif, and H. Dhaalu) for late April and May 2024, despite initial challenges.
- Research Progress Made significant progress in the research project on tobacco regulation implementation, with data collection underway and expected completion in mid-June.
- Policy Development Progress Continued discussions with the MoH on the enactment of three key tobacco control regulations.
- Awareness Program Success Conducted successful awareness programs through radio, political advocacy, and community engagement in Alif Alif Bodufulhadhoo.
- No Smoking Signs Design Finalized the design of more impactful no-smoking signs to be installed in public places.
Challenges
- Political Challenges Faced ongoing challenges in securing support from implementing agencies and political participants due to the political climate.
- Public Apathy Noted a continued lack of public concern regarding health issues related to tobacco use.
- Scheduling Conflicts Encountered difficulties in scheduling TOT training sessions due to the Parliament Election and Ramadan.
- Consultant Change Experienced delays in the research project due to the need to replace the initial consultant.
Despite these challenges, the project demonstrated resilience and achieved significant milestones in community engagement, research, and policy development. The continued efforts to raise awareness, strengthen regulations, and mobilize communities remain crucial for achieving a smoke-free Maldives.
2024 - Q2
Consolidating Gains and Completing Key Activities for a Sustainable Tobacco-Free Future
This final report marks the completion of the Ban Public Smoking project, highlighting the significant achievements and challenges faced during its implementation. Despite exceeding the initial timeframe, the project successfully completed key activities, including Training of Trainers (TOT) sessions in three atolls, research on tobacco regulation implementation, and policy development.
Key Activities
- TOT Training Completion Successfully conducted TOT training sessions in three regions (F. Atoll, HDh. Atoll, and GDh. Atoll), equipping focal points with the knowledge and skills to conduct further awareness and training events within their respective atolls.
- Smoke-Free Island Initiative Initiated planning for the declaration of smoke-free islands, collaborating with HPA to develop guidelines and criteria.
- Research Completion Completed the research project on tobacco regulation implementation and prepared a presentation for relevant authorities.
- Policy Development Finalization Handed over the final drafts of the Tobacco Advertisement, Promotion & Sponsorship (TAPS) ban regulation and the tobacco vendor licensing (TVL) regulation to the Ministry of Health's legal team after incorporating stakeholder feedback.
- Tobacco-Free Regulation Collaborated with the Ministry of Health's legal team to provide input on the Tobacco-Free Regulation, following the Ministry of Homeland's decision to work towards citizen safety based on an MFF evidence-based paper.
- Awareness Programs Continued raising awareness about the harms of tobacco through articles in online newspapers and radio programs with Voice of Maldives.
- Collaboration with Government Institutions Secured collaboration with the Ministry of Home Land, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs to strengthen tobacco control efforts.
- Smoke-Free Island Advocacy Submitted a letter to the President on behalf of over 200 WDCs requesting the implementation of tobacco-related laws and regulations. Developed a plan for the smoke-free island concept, with three islands (two in Faafu Atoll and one in Noonu Atoll) selected for designation as smoke-free islands.
- Website Development Developed a website, Smoke Free MV.com, to raise awareness about tobacco control and provide information on anti-tobacco activities in the Maldives.
Significant Achievements
- TOT Training Success Successfully completed TOT training sessions in three atolls, empowering local communities to take ownership of tobacco control efforts.
- Research Completion Finalized the research project on tobacco regulation implementation, providing valuable data to inform future interventions.
- Policy Development Finalization Completed the development of the TAPS ban regulation and the TVL regulation, contributing to a stronger regulatory framework for tobacco control.
- Inter-Ministry Collaboration Secured collaboration with multiple government ministries to strengthen tobacco control efforts.
- Smoke-Free Island Progress Made significant progress towards designating smoke-free islands, with three islands selected and a plan submitted to HPA.
- Website Development Developed a comprehensive website to serve as a platform for tobacco control information and advocacy.
Challenges
- Project Delay Acknowledged the failure to complete the project within the initial timeframe due to various challenges.
- Limited Stakeholder Response Faced challenges in securing consistent support and engagement from some government authorities and the public.
Despite these challenges, the project successfully completed key activities and made significant contributions to advancing tobacco control in the Maldives. The TOT training, research findings, finalized regulations, and the smoke-free island initiative lay a strong foundation for sustainable progress towards a tobacco-free future.