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Context

Maldives introduced a "generational ban" on tobacco, making it illegal for anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, to purchase tobacco products.  

What is a Generational Tobacco Ban?

A generational tobacco ban prohibits the sale of tobacco to individuals born after a specific cutoff year, ensuring that younger generations never gain legal access to tobacco products. 

This gradually eliminates tobacco use as older users age out and younger people are legally restricted from starting, creating a “tobacco-free generation.” 

Global Initiatives To Address Tobacco

Global initiatives primarily led by the World Health Organization (WHO) through the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) and its operational tool, the MPOWER package. 

The WHO FCTC, adopted in 2003, is the first international public health treaty, provides a legal framework for countries to implement tobacco control policies based on evidence. 

In 2007, the WHO introduced MPOWER, a set of six cost-effective measures to help countries implement FCTC provisions: 

• Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies.
• Protect people from tobacco smoke.
• Offer help to quit tobacco use.
• Warn about the dangers of tobacco.
• Enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.
• Raise taxes on tobacco products. 

The Bloomberg Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use provides funding and technical support.

The Global Alliance for Tobacco Control (GATC), a network of civil society organizations, advocates for FCTC implementation and integrating tobacco control into the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

World No Tobacco Day is an annual event on May 31st to raise awareness. 

Potential Benefits of the Tobacco Ban

Improved Public Health: Reduced new smokers will lead to a long-term decline in tobacco-related illnesses like lung cancer and heart disease.

Lower Healthcare Costs: Reducing tobacco use will ease the financial strain on public healthcare systems, freeing resources for other health priorities.

Economic and Productivity Gains: Fewer tobacco-related deaths and illnesses can lead to a healthier, more productive workforce and improved national economic output.

Environmental Benefits: Reduced tobacco consumption means fewer cigarette butts, less litter, and cleaner public spaces.  

Challenges of the Tobacco Ban

Risk of Black Markets: Restricting legal access may encourage illicit tobacco trade, complicating enforcement and exposing youth to unregulated products.

Enforcement Difficulties: Monitoring age-based sales restrictions across decades will require robust systems and sustained law enforcement capacity.

Economic Losses for Retailers: Businesses dependent on tobacco sales could suffer short-term financial losses and job cuts. 

Lessons for India 

Scale of the Problem

India, the world's second-largest tobacco consumer and producer, faces a major public health crisis with over 267 million users and 1.3 million annual tobacco-related deaths. (Source: WHO)

Strengthening Existing Laws

The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, could be updated by raising the legal purchase age from 18 to 21 years, and tightening penalties for underage sales.

Exploring Localized Models

While a nationwide generational ban may be difficult in India, pilot projects in select districts or around schools and colleges could test the concept’s feasibility.

Combating Illicit Trade

Any move toward tougher restrictions must address the existing black market for tobacco products through stronger enforcement and tracking mechanisms.

Conclusion

The Maldives implemented a generational tobacco ban to eliminate future addiction, facing enforcement and black market challenges. Long-term benefits include reduced disease, lower healthcare costs, and environmental protection. This policy offers lessons for countries like India in combating tobacco-related health issues.

Source: DOWNTOEARTH