NCD Alliance Urges President to Ban E-cigarette Imports in Maldives

Sep.13.2024
NCD Alliance Urges President to Ban E-cigarette Imports in Maldives
The Edition reported on September 12 that Maldives NCD Alliance urges President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to ban e-cigarette imports.

According to The Edition on September 12th, the Non-Communicable Disease Alliance in the Maldives has called on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to ban the import of e-cigarettes.


In a letter submitted to the president, the alliance expressed concern about the increasing use of e-cigarettes and vaping products in the Maldives. It pointed out that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the country's biggest health burden, and the use of tobacco and tobacco-related products (including e-cigarettes) is one of the major risk factors for NCDs.


The Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance (NCD) is made up of seven organizations including the Cancer Association, Diabetes Association, SHE, Mediterranean Anemia Association, Mental Health Awareness Foundation, MAPD, and Tiny Hearts. The alliance is calling for immediate action to ban the import and use of e-cigarettes and vaping products in the Maldives. NCD also cited research from the American Cancer Association, indicating that 15% of e-cigarette users have risk factors for lung cancer. Additionally, over 30% of e-cigarette users reported an increased risk of developing diabetes, as well as facing health problems such as kidney cancer, stroke, and heart disease.


The Minister of National Security and Technology of the Maldives, Ali Ihusaan, stated in an interview with Mihaaru News that...


The government is preparing to make this decision. Personally, I believe e-cigarettes should be banned, but the final decision will be made by the State Council, and I will submit it to them for consideration.


He added that the Ministry of Internal Affairs is taking the lead in banning e-cigarettes because electronic pod cartridges have been used to smuggle drugs. He further stated that their drug enforcement operations have found narcotics in e-cigarette devices, posing a threat to recruiting children for drug-related activities.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Mexican Congress Postpones Debate on Vape and E-Cigarette Ban
Mexican Congress Postpones Debate on Vape and E-Cigarette Ban
Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies has postponed the debate on a reform to the General Health Law that seeks to completely ban the sale and distribution of electronic cigarettes and vapes. Lawmaker Amancay González Franco (MC) criticized the draft for excluding tobacco heating devices, such as Philip Morris’s IQOS, arguing that these products are even more harmful according to the World Health Organization.
Dec.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
JTI Expands Albania Distribution Through Partnership with Nelt
JTI Expands Albania Distribution Through Partnership with Nelt
Serbian logistics company Nelt Group said it has become a distributor for Japan Tobacco International products in Albania. According to the company, the partnership has created 50 new jobs in the local market. Nelt described the move as part of a broader change to its business model in Albania. The group already cooperates with JTI in Bosnia and Herzegovina and expects its revenue to grow by 9% in 2025.
Dec.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK South East Seized 3.1M Illegal Vapes Since 2021 as Crackdown Intensifies
UK South East Seized 3.1M Illegal Vapes Since 2021 as Crackdown Intensifies
Illegal vape seizures in the UK South East have risen sharply over the past five years, with 2023 marking the high point. While single-use vapes were banned from sale in June 2025, enforcement teams say disposable products remain in circulation, fueling renewed calls for licensing and stronger enforcement funding.
Jan.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
RFK Jr. Says Public Should Not Follow His Personal Use of Zyn Nicotine Pouches
RFK Jr. Says Public Should Not Follow His Personal Use of Zyn Nicotine Pouches
According to People, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in an interview with The Atlantic that although he frequently uses Zyn nicotine pouches, he does not recommend that Americans imitate his personal habits. His use of nicotine products has drawn renewed attention, alongside ongoing scrutiny of his broader health-related positions.
Dec.04
Product | OXBAR Lists GOSLIM Disposable Vape on Its Website, Featuring Embedded Leather and a Slim Display Window Design
Product | OXBAR Lists GOSLIM Disposable Vape on Its Website, Featuring Embedded Leather and a Slim Display Window Design
OXBAR has updated its official website and listed a new disposable product, GOSLIM. The device is rated at 26,000 puffs, measures 40 × 22 × 110 mm, and weighs about 75 g, featuring an “embedded leather” exterior design. It supports two power modes—ECO and BOOST—and includes a digital display showing remaining battery percentage, remaining e-liquid level, and the active mode.
Jan.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI reshuffles South Africa leadership, appoints first female general manager
PMI reshuffles South Africa leadership, appoints first female general manager
Philip Morris International (PMI) said it has appointed Buena Barnes as general manager of its South Africa business, marking the first time a woman has held the role in the country. Barnes previously oversaw finance for Sub-Saharan Africa and has worked at GlaxoSmithKline South Africa and British American Tobacco South Africa.
Jan.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai