The Maldives has announced a comprehensive ban on vaping, marking a significant step in addressing the alarming rise in vaping, especially among young adolescents. Effective from December 15, 2024, the ban will cover the possession, use, manufacturing, sale, promotion, and distribution of vaporizer devices across the nation. This decision follows numerous appeals from parents and healthcare providers who have been advocating for stricter regulations on electronic smoking devices in the Maldives. According to the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey, 23.1% of boys and 10.7% of girls aged 13 to 15 in the Maldives had used e-cigarettes. 
The Ministry emphasized that the ban is for the well-being of children, youth, and the broader Maldivian population. The increasing use of novel nicotine and tobacco products (NENTPs) such as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), non-nicotine delivery systems (ENNDS), heated tobacco products (HTPs), and nicotine pouches (NPs), particularly among young people, is a growing concern throughout the WHO South-East Asia Region.
All forms of tobacco use pose serious health risks and contribute to noncommunicable diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic lung conditions, and diabetes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), smoking-related causes are expected to claim the lives of 150 people annually in the Maldives, which has a population of just over half a million. 
With this move, the Maldives joins other countries in the region, including DPR Korea, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Timor-Leste, in banning e-cigarettes. The WHO South-East Asia Region continues to lead in tobacco control efforts, thanks to the strong commitment of its Member States 
More information President announces additional measures to discourage tobacco consumption - The President's Office (presidency.gov.mv)