The Maldivian government has passed landmark amendments to its Tobacco Control Act, creating a generational ban on tobacco use. Effective immediately, anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, is prohibited from using tobacco. At the same time, vendors are forbidden from selling tobacco to anyone under 21 or to those covered by the generational cutoff.

With the changes, the Maldives becomes the first country in the world to permanently bar an entire generation from smoking. The law also establishes a nationwide ban on electronic cigarettes and vaping products — covering their use, possession, importation, and manufacture.

President Mohamed Muizzu said the measures reflect his vision of fostering a “competent, morally upright, and diligent citizenry.”

This article was adapted from an original report published on tobaccoreporter.com. All rights belong to the original publisher.