The World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Regional Office has congratulated the Government of the Maldives for what it described as a bold step towards a tobacco-free generation.

WHO praised the decision as a pivotal leap forward in tobacco control efforts, highlighting it as a first-of-its-kind initiative in the region that reinforces leadership for a healthier, tobacco-free future.

The policy, recently approved by the Government, prohibits the sale and use of tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2007. This generational tobacco ban is designed to prevent young people from accessing tobacco, with the long-term goal of eliminating its use entirely.

According to WHO, the measure represents a landmark achievement in tobacco regulation and sets a powerful precedent across the WHO South-East Asia Region. By introducing this generational approach, the Maldives has positioned itself at the forefront of regional and global efforts to combat the harmful impact of tobacco.