The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the generational ban to discourage tobacco use is a bold and important step taken by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s government. WHO made this statement following the parliament’s approval of the government’s amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, which prohibits tobacco use for all children born on and after January 1, 2007.
In connection with the amendment to the law establishing a generational ban to discourage tobacco use, WHO shared a message on social media congratulating President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s government. WHO also noted that this is the first time a country in South-East Asia has taken such a measure. According to WHO, the step taken by the Maldives is a boost to regional efforts towards a tobacco-free, healthier future.
While the Maldives has completed the legal procedures related to establishing a generational ban to discourage tobacco use, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s government has been working on many initiatives to build a healthy society since taking office. The generational ban to keep the young generation away from tobacco was decided after the President conducted a poll on social media to gather public opinion on the matter.
This historic poll was the first of its kind where a President of the Maldives sought public opinion on an important decision during their term through a social media platform. More than 5000 people participated in this poll, submitting their opinions to the President.
While the law has been amended to establish a generational ban to keep the young generation away from tobacco, once this law is implemented in the Maldives, it will become the first country in the world to pass and enforce such a law. Although some other countries have worked on establishing generational bans against tobacco, no country has implemented a gener no country has implemented a generational ban against tobacco to date. Therefore, if the Maldives becomes the first country to establish and implement a generational ban, it will not only be a great achievement internationally for the Maldives but also something that every Maldivian will undoubtedly be happy about and proud of.
