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

Tunisia's tobacco control policies are insufficiently implemented; experts call for the introduction of less harmful alternatives to help quit smoking
Tunisia's tobacco control policies are insufficiently implemented; experts call for the introduction of less harmful alternatives to help quit smoking
Although Tunisia has joined the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and implemented policies such as smoking bans and advertising restrictions, insufficient enforcement means nearly half of all men still smoke, with youth being particularly vulnerable. Public health experts recommend that Tunisia learn from the experiences of Sweden and the United Kingdom, introduce less harmful alternatives, and establish a customized regulatory system.
Sep.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Illegal Vape Sellers in the Netherlands Could Be Fined Up to €4,040
Illegal Vape Sellers in the Netherlands Could Be Fined Up to €4,040
The outgoing Dutch government plans to raise fines for illegal sales of vapes and cigarettes, with first-time offenders facing a €2,040 penalty. The new fines, up to €4,040 for large companies, are expected to take effect on July 1, 2026, pending parliamentary approval.
Nov.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Opinion | Samrat Chowdhery: Tobacco Price Elasticity—A Convenient Myth?
Opinion | Samrat Chowdhery: Tobacco Price Elasticity—A Convenient Myth?
This opinion piece, submitted by Samrat Chowdhery to 2Firsts, challenges the logic of tobacco price elasticity. It argues that high taxes often harm vulnerable populations and fuel illicit markets rather than reducing smoking.
Oct.21
Vietnam's tobacco tax reform receives WHO award, projected to boost annual revenue by $900 million
Vietnam's tobacco tax reform receives WHO award, projected to boost annual revenue by $900 million
The WHO Western Pacific Regional Director recently presented the WHO Global Award to Vietnamese Minister of Health Đào Hồng Lan. The tax reforms in the newly revised 2025 Special Consumption Tax Law will enable 2.1 million people in Vietnam to quit or not start smoking by 2031, and will also generate an additional VND24 trillion (US$910 million) in annual state revenue.
Sep.28
German Federal Council calls for ban on disposable vape, government resists change
German Federal Council calls for ban on disposable vape, government resists change
Germany's Federal Council calls for ban on disposable e-cigarettes due to environmental and economic threats, sparking debate.
Oct.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris International Fails to Invalidate British American Tobacco Unit’s Vape Patent
Philip Morris International Fails to Invalidate British American Tobacco Unit’s Vape Patent
The European Patent Office’s Board of Appeal upheld British American Tobacco’s Nicoventures Trading Ltd. vape patent, rejecting Philip Morris International’s objections. The board ruled that the patent’s use of predefined heater activation parameters not based on user puffs was novel and valid.
Nov.10