President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has urged smokers to prioritize their own health as well as public health, by quitting abuse of tobacco.

The president made this appeal in a statement issued on World No Tobacco Day.

As such, in his message, President Solih encouraged individuals who smoke to give first priority to their well-being, along with that of their loved ones and the broader community by giving up smoking.

Shedding light on the potential for more effective utilization of financial resources, the president urged smoker to abandon their smoking habits and redirect their income towards supporting their families instead.

Further, he shed light on the importance of quitting smoking in order to minimize the risk of health complications for those around smokers.

Stating that the financial resources saved through quitting the habit may pave the way to contribute towards aiding individuals afflicted by severe illnesses, the president stressed on the significant annual expenditure on tobacco production and distribution, amounting to billions of dollars.

He also noted the challenges of poverty and famine in several parts of the world.

The World Health Organization's theme for this year's No Tobacco Day is "Grow Food, Not Tobacco”.

Touching upon this theme, the president stated that it aims to expand awareness on alternative agricultural practices and marketing avenues for tobacco cultivators.

President Solih noted the importance of cultivating sustainable and nutritious crops and encouraged tobacco farmers to explore practical alternatives.

In his address, the president also acknowledged the substantial associations between tobacco consumption and many dangerous non-communicable diseases (NCDs) commonly found within the community.