The World Health Organization (WHO) has welcomed President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s decision to ban the importation of various types of vapes and announcing a ban on vaping. In social media post made by WHO’s Southeast Asia office, WHO congratulated the Maldives for implementing this ban, highlighting it as a significant initiative to combat the alarming rise in vaping, particularly among young adolescents. It also noted that 23.1% of boys and 10.7% of girls aged 13 to 15 in the Maldives have used e-cigarettes, according to the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey. WHO further raised concerns that the increasing prevalence of novel and emerging nicotine and tobacco products (NENTPs), such as electronic cigarettes (ENDS), electronic non-nicotine delivery systems (ENNDS), heated tobacco products (HTPs), and nicotine pouches (NPs), is particularly concerning, especially among youth in the WHO South-East Asia Region. It noted that all forms of tobacco use are harmful and pose significant risks for non-communicable diseases, including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic lung diseases, and diabetes. In a recent social media post, President Muizzu confirmed that the import of vaping devices and their components will be prohibited starting November 15. He instructed relevant authorities to implement comprehensive measures to outlaw the use, possession, manufacture, sale, advertising, and free distribution of vaping products across the country beginning December 15. To further reduce tobacco consumption, the President announced an increase in import duties on cigarettes and tobacco products. As such an amendment to the law will be proposed to adjust both specific and ad valorem rates of import duty on these items, effective November 2024. Additionally, the President has called for strengthened measures to empower enforcement agencies to curb tobacco use in public spaces. A comprehensive, nationally recognized campaign will also be launched to assist habitual smokers in quitting. The President urges the public to collaborate in making the Maldives a tobacco-free society.
