The Maldives Leads on Generational Smoking Ban to Protect Younger Generations
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The Maldives, an archipelago known worldwide for its stunning natural beauty, has secured its place as a global leader in public health policy. The nation has become the only country in the world to enforce a nationwide generational tobacco prohibition.
Effective as of a recent Saturday announcement, the new provision makes it illegal for anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, to purchase, use, or be sold tobacco products within the Maldives. This historic move, initiated by President Mohamed Muizzu earlier this year, is designed to "protect public health and promote a tobacco-free generation," according to the Health Ministry. The ministry affirmed that the ban "reflects the government's strong commitment to protecting young people from the harms of tobacco".
This comprehensive Generational Smoking Ban applies to all forms of tobacco, and retailers are strictly mandated to verify age prior to any sale. Significantly, the law extends beyond citizens; even tourists and visitors to the nation must adhere to the new regulations. The ministry also noted that the measure aligns with the Maldives' obligations under the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
The ban is an intensification of previous efforts to curb addiction. The Maldives already enforced a comprehensive ban on the import, sale, distribution, possession, and use of electronic cigarettes and vaping products for all individuals, regardless of age. Ahmed Afaal, vice chair of the country’s tobacco control board, described the vaping crackdown as an important first step, noting that "these new stylish gadgets are tactics of the industry to approach the younger generations to uptake addictive processes, which definitely harms their health". Retailers selling tobacco to an underage person face a substantial fine of 50,000 rufiyaa (3,200),whileusingvapedevicescarriesafineof5,000rufiyaa(320).
The Maldives’ action is a response to a dire global public health crisis. The WHO characterizes the "tobacco epidemic" as one of the "biggest public health threats the world has ever faced," contributing to nearly 7 million global deaths annually. In the Maldives specifically, smoking is "especially prevalent among young people," with nearly half of those aged 13 to 15 consuming some form of tobacco, according to a 2021 survey. Overall, about a quarter of the population over the age of 15 consumes tobacco in the country.
While the Maldives pioneers this Generational Smoking Ban, similar attempts elsewhere have faltered. New Zealand, which initially passed a law in 2022 that would have prohibited tobacco sales to those born after January 1, 2009, repealed the measure in November 2023 after a new government took power. This reversal was viewed as a blow to health experts. Meanwhile, the UK’s own bill, targeting those born on or after 2009, is currently navigating its final legislative hurdles in the House of Lords.
Despite potential concerns regarding the tourism sector, which is vital to the archipelago, Mr. Afaal dismissed fears of cancellations. He asserted that tourists visit the Maldives for "the beaches, they come for the sea, they come for the sun, and they come for the fresh air," not for the ability to smoke. He cited tourism data showing growth in arrivals and no cancellations over the past year, projecting over 2 million tourists in the upcoming year.
By enforcing this definitive Tobacco Prohibition, the Maldives is effectively building a protective wall around its future citizens, setting a powerful example for the rest of the world on how to truly lead in public health policy.
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