WHO Commends Maldives' Ban on E-Cigarettes and Related Products

Oct.17.2024
WHO Commends Maldives' Ban on E-Cigarettes and Related Products
WHO praises Maldives for banning e-cigarettes to combat rising trend, citing harmful effects on youth. Global ban count now 37.

According to a report from Edition on October 17th, the World Health Organization (WHO) has praised the decision of the Maldives to ban e-cigarettes and related products.

WHO Commends Maldives' Ban on E-Cigarettes and Related Products
WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia responds to Maldives' e-cigarette ban | Image source: X


The World Health Organization's Southeast Asia Regional Office announced on social media platform X that this decision is a significant step in combating the growing trend of e-cigarette use, especially among youth.


According to the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey data, 23.1% of boys aged 13 to 15 have used e-cigarettes, while 10.7% of girls have used e-cigarettes.


The organization emphasizes that all forms of tobacco consumption are harmful and are a leading risk factor for non-communicable diseases.


On the 15th, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu announced that the import of all e-cigarette products and device components will be illegal starting from November 15th. Additionally, the use, possession, production, sale, advertising, and distribution of all e-cigarette products will be banned starting from December 15th.


According to WHO data, currently 37 countries worldwide have banned e-cigarettes. In the region, countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and East Timor have all implemented e-cigarette bans.


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

 NYT: Reynolds American Donated $5 Million Before FDA Vape Policy Shift
NYT: Reynolds American Donated $5 Million Before FDA Vape Policy Shift
According to The New York Times, Reynolds American donated $5 million to a Trump-backed super PAC shortly before the FDA introduced a new policy that could benefit major tobacco companies seeking to sell flavored vaping products.
News
May.21
Imperial Brands Explains What the UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 Means for Retailers
Imperial Brands Explains What the UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 Means for Retailers
Imperial Brands has outlined what the newly approved UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 means for retailers. The legislation received Royal Assent on April 29, 2026, and gives the Government powers to extend tobacco-style regulation to a wider range of products, including vaping products, heated tobacco, nicotine pouches and cigarette papers. Imperial Brands emphasized that most measures will be introduced in phases rather than taking effect immediately.
May.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nicotine Pouches Lead U.S. Tobacco Growth as Vape Sales Decline
Nicotine Pouches Lead U.S. Tobacco Growth as Vape Sales Decline
New convenience store industry data show nicotine pouches have become the primary growth driver in the tobacco category, with oral nicotine sales rising nearly 30% over the past year while vape sales declined.
Business
Jun.05
 FDA Begins Review of 22nd Century’s VLN MRTP Renewal Applications
FDA Begins Review of 22nd Century’s VLN MRTP Renewal Applications
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated scientific review of renewal applications for 22nd Century Group’s VLN reduced-nicotine cigarettes under the Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) pathway, with current authorizations set to expire in December 2026.
News
May.13
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary Resigns After Opposing Trump Administration’s Flavored Vape Push
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary Resigns After Opposing Trump Administration’s Flavored Vape Push
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary resigned on May 12 after opposing the Trump administration’s push to authorize fruit-flavored vaping products, according to reporting by The New York Times. Makary reportedly objected over concerns that flavored vapes could attract young people and refused to support broader approvals.
News
May.13
BAT Estimates U.S. Unauthorized Vape Market at $9.4 Billion, Plans New Vuse and Velo Launches After FDA Enforcement Shift
BAT Estimates U.S. Unauthorized Vape Market at $9.4 Billion, Plans New Vuse and Velo Launches After FDA Enforcement Shift
British American Tobacco (BAT) CEO Tadeu Marroco said the U.S. unauthorized vape market is worth about £7 billion, or US$9.43 billion. Following a shift in FDA enforcement policy, BAT plans to launch flavored Vuse products in the third quarter and an updated Velo pouch in August or September.
Jun.15