The World Health Organization (WHO) has congratulated the Maldives for its recent decision to ban vaping, calling it a vital step in tackling the rising trend of e-cigarette use, particularly among adolescents. The move comes at a time when public health concerns about the growing popularity of novel nicotine products are increasing globally.

In a statement, the WHO commended the Maldives for its initiative, citing alarming statistics from the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey. According to the survey, 23.1% of boys and 10.7% of girls aged 13 to 15 in the Maldives had used e-cigarettes, raising concerns about the future health of the nation’s youth.

The WHO has repeatedly expressed concern over the increasing use of novel and emerging nicotine and tobacco products (NENTPs), such as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), heated tobacco products (HTPs), and nicotine pouches, particularly in the WHO South-East Asia Region. These products, often marketed as alternatives to traditional tobacco, are gaining popularity among young people, posing new public health challenges.

“All forms of tobacco use are harmful,” the WHO emphasized, pointing out that nicotine and tobacco consumption are major contributors to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic lung conditions, and diabetes.

By banning vaping, the Maldives has taken a proactive stance in protecting its youth from the harmful effects of nicotine and tobacco products. The WHO’s endorsement of this decision underscores its importance in the broader effort to reduce tobacco-related health risks across the region.