Campaign initiated calling for a ban on vapes

Relevant authorities have initiated a campaign urging the government to ban the import of vapes into the Maldives.

Health sector organizations are advocating for a prohibition on tobacco products and vapes containing harmful chemicals.

The Doctors Association called for a ban on vaping yesterday, while the Nurses Association seconded this demand today, citing alarming increases in e-cigarette use among young people and students.

In their statement, the Nurses Association highlighted the rising popularity of e-cigarettes among adolescents, warning that this trend has created a new generation of tobacco users exposed to various health risks.

Vaping liquids, they noted, often contain nicotine, flavorings, and other harmful substances.

"The Global Youth Tobacco Survey 2019 indicates that e-cigarette use is rapidly rising, with 17.1 percent of children aged 13 to 15 reporting use," the statement said.

"E-cigarette devices are not safely certified by any country, and various health problems linked to their use have been identified."

The association called for immediate action from relevant authorities to safeguard the youth.

"Our plea is to protect the young generation, and we urge the President and the Government to ban e-cigarettes immediately," the statement read.

The Ministry of Education is also taking steps to inform schools about the dangers associated with vaping.

The NCD Alliance, focused on the prevention of non-communicable diseases, has previously requested a ban on the import of vapes and tobacco products due to their adverse effects on public health. Although the Doctors Association has reiterated this call, no action has been taken thus far.

Research indicates that 70 toxic substances found in tobacco can lead to cancer. Additionally, exposure to secondhand smoke can cause serious health issues, such as asthma, lung infections, and leukemia in children.

The Medical Association referenced WHO data showing that 85 percent of cases of lung cancer cases are related to direct tobacco smoke, resulting in approximately eight million deaths annually due to diseases casued by tobacco use, with 1.3 million of those deaths linked to secondhand smoke exposure.