The World Health Organisation (WHO) has commended the Maldives government for what it described as a bold step towards a tobacco free generation in the island nation.
The organisation’s commendation came a day after the Parliament passed the necessary legislative amendment moved by the government to implement a generational tobacco ban, prohibiting the sale, purchase, and use of tobacco products for individuals born on or after 1 January, 2007.
The WHO in a post on its social media platforms, said the landmark decision approving a generational tobacco ban that prohibits the sale and use of tobacco to anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, marks a pivotal leap forward in tobacco control efforts.
“A first of its kind initiative in the WHO South East Asia Region, reinforcing regional leadership for a healthier, tobacco-free future,” it added.
The amendment, if ratified by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu will see the new legislation come into force from 1 November.
The amendment, developed in consultation with the Cabinet, targets individuals born from 1 January 2007 onwards, extending the prohibition to future generations.
Approximately 30 percent of the current population falls within this age group, a demographic significance that President Dr Muizzu had highlighted as central to the measure. The rationale for the ban is firmly rooted in public health concerns, with the potential to significantly improve national well-being by preventing a substantial portion of the population from adopting tobacco use, he had said.
The legislative amendment, once in effect, would mandate sellers of tobacco products to verify the age of customers through an official identification. Sellers will be penalised for any violations.
The government has been taking landmark steps against tobacco use. One of the biggest measures was to increase the duty on imported cigarettes and the nationwide ban on use and sale of vape products.
The new amendment would ban the import and use of rolling tobacco machines and related items. It will also give Police the authority to confiscate vape products and electronic cigarettes.