Over the past 104 weeks, the Maldives has taken some of the most decisive public-health actions in its history, signifying a turning point in the nation’s long struggle against tobacco use.

Decades of research have highlighted the severity of the issue: according to national data, 84 per cent of deaths in the Maldives are linked to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with tobacco use recognised as one of the leading contributing factors.

The 2021 WHO-assisted STEP Survey found that 27.3 per cent of Maldivians over the age of 15 use tobacco products, while an estimated 12.8 per cent of all deaths in the country are caused by tobacco-related illnesses. Even more alarming are the findings of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey, which showed that 45 per cent of children aged 13 to 15 use some form of tobacco, with vaping emerging as the most common product among adolescents.

These statistics reflect long-standing public-health vulnerabilities that persisted before President Dr Mohamed Muizzu assumed office. While educators, parents, and health experts had raised concerns for years, effective nationwide measures had remained elusive.

During the past 104 weeks, however, the Government has enacted sweeping reforms to curb tobacco use and protect future generations. A major milestone was the amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, which banned the import, sale, and use of vapes and e-cigarettes in the Maldives from 14 December 2024. 

Another historic measure came with the introduction of a Generational Tobacco Ban, prohibiting the sale and use of tobacco products for anyone born on or after 1 January 2007. The Maldives is the first country in the world to implement such a policy, placing it at the forefront of global tobacco-control efforts. The decisions were welcomed by the World Health Organization (WHO), which commended the Maldives for taking bold action to safeguard public health.

Both initiatives have received international praise, with health organisations noting that preventing disease before it occurs is one of the most effective strategies in modern healthcare. The Government’s persistent push, despite criticism from opponents, has been described as a demonstration of its commitment to the long-term wellbeing of the Maldivian people.