UNICEF Statement on Maldives’ Tobacco Control Act

UNICEF warmly congratulates the Government of Maldives on the ratification of the Second Amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, a landmark piece of legislation introducing a generational ban on tobacco use.  

The amendment prohibits the sale, purchase, and use of tobacco products by individuals born on or after January 1, 2007, bars those under 21 from tobacco-related commercial activities, bans e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and related accessories, and enforces a complete ban on tobacco advertising and sponsorship. 

This visionary decision reflects the nation’s strong commitment to safeguarding public health and protecting future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco. 

For UNICEF, this law marks an essential milestone in addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer in Maldives, including among young people.  

The Maldives has done very well in reducing child and mother deaths and controlling diseases such as measles and polio through high coverage of immunization. However, the country is experiencing noncommunicable disease burden fuelled by unhealthy lifestyles such as bad eating habits, not enough exercise, smoking, and using drugs and other harmful substances that start in childhood and continue into adulthood. 

This amendment is therefore not just about regulating tobacco – it is about building a healthier, safer, and more sustainable future for every child and young person in the Maldives. Healthier children and young people are better able to learn, grow, and reach their full potential – they are the key to shaping a more resilient, and prosperous nation. 

UNICEF is proud to stand behind the Government of Maldives in this groundbreaking legislation. We are committed to working together with all partners in its implementation and the promotion of healthy behaviours, preventing NCDs, and ensuring that children grow up free from preventable harm. 

To all the young people of the Maldives, smoking is not just in your lungs; it is on your phones and in your social circles, treated like it is harmless. But you know better and so, you can do better. They say smoking is something that runs in families and communities, but you can prove them wrong by breaking the cycle. 

Quitting might feel like you're going against the norm, but choosing your health is brave. You're not just saving your lungs – you're breaking a cycle for yourself and future generations. 

Let "NO SMOKING” be your mantra, legacy and what runs in your family. 

Together, we can ensure that we can achieve the promise of the generational ban and ensure that no young person smokes and every child is healthy.