The World Health Organization (WHO) has welcomed the Maldivian government’s decision to ban the import of vape and vape-related products.
According to an announcement by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Monday, the import of vaping equipment and its components will be banned in the Maldives from November 15, Muizzu. The President has also ordered a ban on advertising vaping products from December 15 this year.
The WHO’s South East Asia Regional Office expressed concern over the prevalence of vaping among young people, and welcomed the Maldivian government’s timely decision.
According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey conducted in 2009, 23.1 percent of boys and 10.7 percent of girls aged 13 to 15 use e-cigarettes. The WHO reiterated that all forms of tobacco use are harmful and increase the risk of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease and diabetes.
