The Maldives has banned people born in 2007 and later from smoking or purchasing tobacco products, becoming the first country in the world to implement such a "generational smoking ban." The Ministry of Health announced that the ban will take effect from November and applies to both residents and tourists; those born in 2006 or earlier can still legally smoke. This measure was promoted by President Muizzu, aiming to protect the health of teenagers and align with the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. According to a report released by WHO in October, about 21% of the population aged 15 and above in the Maldives smoked daily in 2022, and a quarter used tobacco. The government had previously completely banned e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, and increased the import tax on cigarettes, causing the price per pack to surge from about $7 to $16. Local media reported that the high taxes and bans have led to a sharp increase in smuggling and black market transactions, with tobacco profit margins reaching as high as 400%.
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Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1847925283589129/
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