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Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Maldives has become the first country in the world to introduce a nationwide smoking ban for the younger generation. Authorities of the island nation have prohibited smoking and the sale of tobacco products to anyone born after 1 January 2007 — including foreign tourists. According to the Maldivian Ministry of Health, from now on, the use, purchase, or sale of tobacco products by individuals from this age group will be considered illegal. The ministry emphasized that this new measure “reflects the government’s strong commitment to protecting youth from the harms of tobacco.” Ahmed Afaal, Deputy Chair of the National Tobacco Control Board, told the BBC that last year’s ban on vaping was “an important step toward building a tobacco-free generation.” The new law covers all forms of tobacco products. Retailers are required to verify customers’ ages before completing any sales, the ministry reminded. This initiative is being implemented as part of the Maldives’ commitments under the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which aims to coordinate global efforts to reduce tobacco use and its harmful effects.
