WHO commends Maldives’ vape ban amid rising health concerns
The World Health Organization (WHO) has commended the Maldives for its decision to ban the use, import, and sale of vaping devices.
The announcement was made by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Monday, following concerns raised by the Maldivian Medical Association and other groups over increased use of tobacco in the community.
In a post on ‘X’ on Tuesday, WHO South-East Asia congratulated the Maldives for taking this significant step, calling it
an important initiative to address the increasing trend of vaping, especially among young adolescents.
WHO South-East Asia wrote
WHO highlighted data from the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey, which revealed that 23.1% of boys and 10.7% of girls aged 13 to 15 had used e-cigarettes in the Maldives.
The organization expressed concern over the rise in the use of novel and emerging nicotine and tobacco products (NENTPs) across the region, particularly among youth.
These products include electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches.
WHO reiterated that all forms of tobacco use pose serious health risks, contributing to non-communicable diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, and diabetes.
Globally, only 37 countries have implemented vaping bans, but WHO noted that the South-East Asia region is leading in tobacco control efforts.
The Maldives now joins other Asian countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and North Korea, in banning vaping devices.
The ban in the Maldives will take effect in phases.
The import of vaping devices and related spare parts will be prohibited starting November 15, while the use, possession, production, sale, and advertisement of these devices will be banned from December 15.
Additionally, President has announced plans to raise import duties on cigarettes and bidi, with the specific rate increasing from MVR 3 to MVR 8, and the ad valorem tax on these products set to rise by 50% from November 1.
The government is expected to submit the necessary legislation within the week.
The WHO continues to urge member states to adopt stringent measures against all forms of tobacco use in its ongoing effort to reduce the global burden of non-communicable diseases.
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