First Lady: "Generational Ban" is a strong investment in future generations' health

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed stated today that the "Generational Ban" on tobacco, the most significant step taken by the Maldives against tobacco use to date, is a powerful investment by the government in the health and well-being of future generations.

With the implementation today of an amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, it is now prohibited to sell tobacco products to any Maldivian born in 2007 or after.

In a post on X following the commencement of the new measure, First Lady Sajidha described the ban as a "historic step" toward making the Maldives a tobacco-free nation. As an advocate for health matters, she commended the government for launching the tobacco "Generational Ban."

Sajidha asserted that this measure is a strong investment in the wellness of future generations. Characterizing it as a move to safeguard society from tobacco dependency and protect citizens from related diseases, Sajidha said it will lead to healthier youth and secure a stable future for them.

"This is a proud moment for the Maldives," Sajidha remarked.

Under the amendments to the Tobacco Control Act, the minimum age for selling tobacco products was also raised from 18 to 21 years. Furthermore, if the age of a buyer is in doubt, vendors must confirm the buyer's age before selling any tobacco products.

However, according to the "Generational Ban" amendment, which was ratified six months ago, it remains prohibited to sell any tobacco product to a person born in 2007, even after they reach the age of 21.

Data from the STEPS Survey, released four years ago, indicates that one in every four Maldivians uses tobacco. The 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey also showed that approximately 45 percent of school-aged children use some form of tobacco.

Figures from the National Health Accounts indicate that the Maldives spends, on average, 9.7 percent of its GDP or 19 percent of the national budget on sustaining health services.

The Ministry of Health notes that if the population is adequately protected from tobacco and a tobacco-free generation is successfully built, the substantial current government expenditure on treating related diseases will be significantly reduced, and public health will be greatly enhanced.

As part of efforts to foster a healthier generation, the import of vapes and e-cigarettes into the Maldives was also banned starting November 15 of last year.