The Maldives has officially become the first country in the world to implement a generational ban on tobacco, marking a bold and historic step in the fight against smoking and its deadly health impacts.

Starting November 1st, under the amendment to the Tobacco Control Act ratified in May, it is now illegal for anyone born on or after January 1st, 2007, to buy, sell, or smoke tobacco in the Maldives. The move effectively creates a smoke-free generation — ensuring that young Maldivians growing up today will never legally have access to tobacco products.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who has made public health a cornerstone of his administration, described the policy as a decisive step toward building a healthier and more resilient nation. The government has also introduced a series of measures over the past year to discourage smoking, including sharp tax increases on tobacco products and stronger restrictions on their import and sale.

Health experts have hailed the ban as a landmark reform, saying it will save countless lives and significantly reduce smoking-related diseases in the decades to come.

As the new law takes effect, the Maldives stands as a global example of courage and commitment — a small island nation taking big steps to protect its future generations from addiction, disease, and the burden of tobacco.