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The Maldives has banned anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, from buying, using or smoking any form of tobacco, becoming the first and only country in the world to enforce a nationwide generational tobacco prohibition. The country’s Ministry of Health said in a statement that the bold public health measure was designed to protect future generations from the harms of smoking. It explained that the ban was enacted through the Second Amendment to the Tobacco Control Act (Act No. 15/2010) and ratified by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. It prohibits anyone born on or after 1 January 2007 from purchasing, using, or being sold tobacco products within the country. The statement described the ban as a “historic milestone in the nation’s efforts to protect public health and promote a tobacco-free generation.” It added: “Under the new provision, individuals born on or after 1 January 2007 are prohibited from purchasing, using, or being sold tobacco products within the Maldives. The ban applies to all forms of tobacco, and retailers are required to verify the purchaser’s age before sale. “The Maldives also maintains a comprehensive ban on the import, sale, distribution, possession, and use of electronic cigarettes and vaping products, applicable to all individuals regardless of age. “The Generational Ban on Tobacco reflects the Government’s strong commitment to protecting young people from the harms of tobacco and aligns with the Maldives’ obligations under the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).”
