New tobacco rules to introduce graphic warnings, ban sale of single sticks
The sale of single sticks of cigarettes needs to be banned because “it is a tactic mainly used to lure children and young adolescents into smoking,” said Dr Aishath Aroona, vice chair of the Tobacco Control Board.
16 Sep 2017, 9:00 AM
The health authorities have drawn up new rules to stop the sale of single cigarettes and introduce graphic warning images on packs and tobacco products.
The sale of single sticks of cigarettes needs to be banned because “it is a tactic mainly used to lure children and young adolescents into smoking,” Dr Aishath Aroona, vice chair of the Tobacco Control Board, told the Maldives Independent after the ‘regulation on packaging and labelling tobacco products’ was submitted to the president’s office for approval on September 7.
“We hope it will come into force by January 2018,” she said, noting that smoking is now the number one cause of death in the Maldives with an estimated one death a day as a result of tobacco-related illnesses.
“Right now, we have no regulation on tobacco control. We only have an announcement under the tobacco control law which requires text messages warning about the health risks,” she explained.
Become a member
Get full access to our archive and personalise your experience.
Already a member?
Discussion
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
No comments yet. Be the first to join the conversation!
Join the Conversation
Sign in to share your thoughts under an alias and take part in the discussion. Independent journalism thrives on open, respectful debate — your voice matters.
