President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced a series of stringent measures aimed at banning vaping across the Maldives, in response to mounting health concerns raised by medical professionals and national sports organizations.
In a post on his official X account, President Muizzu revealed that he has directed relevant authorities to begin the process of prohibiting the import of vaporizer devices, accessories, and parts. This import ban is set to take effect on November 15, 2024. Following this, the regulations will extend further, with a complete ban on the possession, use, manufacturing, sale, promotion, and free distribution of vaping products nationwide, effective December 15, 2024.
The decision comes as various groups, including the Maldivian Medical Association, Maldives Doctors Association, and key national sports organizations, have called for urgent action against vaping and tobacco use. These groups have expressed growing alarm over the increasing number of health risks associated with these products.
According to the Maldivian Medical Association, the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) poses a significant challenge for the country. The association highlighted that tobacco use remains a leading cause of these diseases, noting that out of the 250 harmful substances found in tobacco, 70 are known carcinogens. They further warned of the dangers of second-hand smoke, which can lead to severe health issues like asthma, lung infections, and leukemia in children, while also posing serious risks to pregnant women.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that tobacco use contributes to around 8 million deaths annually, with 1.3 million of those caused by exposure to second-hand smoke.
National sports associations in the Maldives have also voiced concerns about the increasing prevalence of vaping among athletes and coaches. They raised alarms over the rising use of e-cigarettes and vaporizers within the sports community, citing detrimental effects on lung health, which in turn hinders athletic performance and development. The associations have called for immediate action to protect the health of future generations and prevent vaping from becoming widespread among the youth.
