Maldives to Ban Vaping Effective December 15

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced a ban on vaping in the Maldives, set to take effect on December 15, 2024. In a recent social media update, he confirmed that the import of vaping devices and their components will be prohibited beginning November 15.

The directive extends to outlawing the use, possession, manufacture, sale, advertising, and distribution of vaping products across the nation. This decision follows calls from the Maldivian Medical Association, the Maldives Doctors Association, and various national sports organizations advocating for stricter regulations on vaping and tobacco products.

The Maldivian Medical Association highlighted the significant health risks associated with non-communicable diseases linked to tobacco, which contains over 250 harmful substances, including 70 known carcinogens. They emphasized the dangers of second-hand smoke, particularly for children and pregnant women.

The World Health Organization reports that tobacco use leads to 8 million deaths annually, with 1.3 million resulting from second-hand smoke exposure. National sports associations have also expressed concern over the rising trend of vaping among athletes and coaches, linking it to declining lung health and performance issues.

In light of these health concerns, national sports organizations are calling for a total ban on the import, sale, and possession of vaping products to safeguard the health of future generations in the Maldives.