WMA President Says 88 Countries Still Have No Minimum Age for Buying Vaping Products

Dr. Michael Alcordman, President of the World Medical Association (WMA), emphasized the urgent need for governments to protect children and adolescents. He pointed out the alarming situation reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), which states that 88 countries have not set a minimum age for purchasing e-cigarettes, and 74 countries lack regulations on these harmful products.

The United States is one of the few countries actively monitoring youth e-cigarette use, with a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting concerning statistics. The study showed that 27.9% of high school students (grades 9-13) use tobacco products, with e-cigarettes being the most popular choice at 22.6%. This trend may reflect the situation in many other countries.

Earlier this year, the WMA released a revised statement on e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems, calling for enhanced protection for children and adolescents. Dr. Alcordman stated, "These products must be considered harmful and unsafe. The sale, marketing, distribution, and provision of e-cigarettes and other tobacco products to children and adolescents must be prohibited."

The WMA calls for the regulation of e-cigarettes under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and for them to be subject to smoke-free laws and regulations in various jurisdictions. This call to action aims to curb the increase in youth e-cigarette use and address the public health challenges posed by these products. The association's position reinforces the global consensus for stricter controls on e-cigarettes to protect public health, especially the health of younger generations.