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

BAT’s Product Strategy Reset: A Structural Analysis of Its Post-FY2025 Competitive Architecture
BAT’s Product Strategy Reset: A Structural Analysis of Its Post-FY2025 Competitive Architecture
Drawing on BAT’s FY2025 results and earnings call, 2Firsts finds the company shifting from category expansion to competitive entrenchment across Vapour, Modern Oral, Heated Products and Combustibles. The strategy centers on connected devices, geographic customization and portfolio tiering. While structurally coherent, financial returns depend on consistent regulatory enforcement against illicit competitors, making policy execution a key variable for 2026 performance.
Feb.12
Nicotine pouch brand SNÜ launches three fruit flavours, keeps “rub-and-smell” label to reduce retail shrink
Nicotine pouch brand SNÜ launches three fruit flavours, keeps “rub-and-smell” label to reduce retail shrink
UK nicotine pouch brand SNÜ has added three new flavours—Wild Cherry, Cherry Cola and Tropical Punch—spanning multiple nicotine strengths from 9mg to 60mg. The new products also retain the brand’s “rub-and-smell” packaging feature, designed to let shoppers preview the aroma without opening the can and help lower in-store product loss.
Feb.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Michigan Governor budget to seek major tax hikes on tobacco, vaping and gaming to address Medicaid gap
Michigan Governor budget to seek major tax hikes on tobacco, vaping and gaming to address Medicaid gap
Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget includes significant tax hikes on tobacco and gaming to address a projected $1.8 billion shortfall in Michigan’s Medicaid funding, the report said. The plan calls for raising the per-pack cigarette tax from $2 to $3 and increasing the wholesale tax on other tobacco products from 32% to 57%.
Feb.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia’s Rostov Region Eyes Full Vape Sales Ban, Signals Tighter Tobacco Retail Rules
Russia’s Rostov Region Eyes Full Vape Sales Ban, Signals Tighter Tobacco Retail Rules
Russia’s Rostov region is preparing to pursue a region-wide ban on vape sales and is also signaling support for broader regional powers to tighten tobacco retail rules. A regional lawmaker said the initiative aligns with a State Duma bill that would allow regions to impose vape sales bans—an initiative he said has presidential backing.
Jan.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Kuwait Bans Sale of Tobacco and E-Cigarette Products Through Delivery Platforms
Kuwait Bans Sale of Tobacco and E-Cigarette Products Through Delivery Platforms
Kuwait’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Osama Boodai has issued a decision banning the sale of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, all types of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and related tools, devices and accessories through delivery platforms or similar digital channels.
Mar.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | Pixx Nicotine Toothpicks Listed on UK Retail Website, Said to Be Unaffected by Upcoming Vape Tax
Product | Pixx Nicotine Toothpicks Listed on UK Retail Website, Said to Be Unaffected by Upcoming Vape Tax
2Firsts has noted that a nicotine toothpick product named Pixx has appeared on a UK retailer website. The product page describes it as a smoke-free nicotine product, and the packaging image shows “UK MADE.” A nicotine-industry professional wrote on LinkedIn that the UK is set to introduce vape tax changes that may increase pressure on the retail side, and said Pixx is expected not to be included in the upcoming vape tax.
Mar.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai