The Maldives has garnered significant international attention and praise from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other nations for its pioneering implementation of a generational ban on tobacco, the Minister of Education, Dr Ismail Shafeeu has said.
The landmark legislation, which came into effect with amendments to the Tobacco Control Act on 29 April, prohibits individuals born on or after 1 January 2007, from ever purchasing or using tobacco products.
Minister Dr Shafeeu highlighted the global impact of the decision in an interview with PSM.
"Being a small country, the decision taken by Maldives has been very positively received by other countries. It is a great honour for a small country to take such a decision and lead by example,” he said.
He urged all citizens to view this as a crucial step towards building a healthier future, transcending political differences, and fostering positive behavioural change.
The Ministry of Education, according to the Minister, plans extensive awareness programmes in schools, integrating the ban into curriculum and teaching material to ensure comprehensive understanding and support among students and the wider community.
Minister Dr Shafeeu said the decision is underscored by alarming statistics with a 2012 study revealing over 130,000 smokers in the Maldives, while the Health Protection Agency (HPA) reported 150 tobacco-related deaths last year. Financially, the nation incurs an annual cost of approximately USD 116.7 million from tobacco-related sales, he added.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed welcomed the initiative, calling it a great opportunity for the country to boost productivity and development through a healthier generation. He commended President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's foresight and commitment to public and national interest.
The Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam echoed this sentiment on social media, praising the President for taking a difficult yet essential decision for the nation's future, demonstrating leadership in the face of inevitable pressures.
This generational ban builds upon earlier successes, such as the widely supported prohibition of vape products, and marks a bold move by the island nation to safeguard the health and prosperity of its future generations, setting a significant precedent on the global stage.