The Health Ministry of Fiji is stepping up its fight against the illegal sale of vaping products, an issue made more difficult by ineffective legislation and insufficient evidence for enforcement. However, recent operations have led to the successful prosecution of four individuals caught selling vaping products unlawfully.
Maleli Baleiwera, who heads the Tobacco Control and Enforcement Unit, reported that enforcement teams often face obstacles in catching offenders during sales. Sellers tend to quickly discard products when authorities arrive, leaving no evidence for prosecution. To combat this, the Ministry is now teaming up with the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service and police to improve tracking and enforcement during the next phase of their operations.
Current legislation mainly targets commercial importers of vaping products, overlooking individuals who bring vapes for personal use, which hampers the Ministry’s efforts and limits their effectiveness. Baleiwera emphasized the need for legislative updates to tackle the rapidly changing landscape of vape sales.
In light of these issues, Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa announced a review of the Tobacco Control Act of 2010. Proposed amendments aim to introduce stricter regulations regarding the sale and distribution of vaping products, focusing on improved surveillance and enforcement, as well as penalties for violations related to excessive importation of vapes.
The Health Ministry has voiced serious concerns about the health risks associated with vaping, such as addiction, lung damage, and other long-term health effects. With the rising popularity of e-cigarettes among youth, the need for comprehensive regulation and enhanced public awareness is increasingly urgent.
Fiji is already facing significant public health challenges due to tobacco consumption, which results in over 1,200 deaths annually from smoking-related diseases. The collaborative efforts among the Health Ministry, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other stakeholders reflect a strong commitment to fostering a healthier society. By implementing more rigorous regulations and improving public education about the dangers of vaping, Fiji has the opportunity to reduce smoking rates and enhance health outcomes, especially for its younger population.
The dedication shown by health officials and international partners suggests a promising future for Fiji, indicating that with effective tobacco control measures, the country can move toward a healthier tomorrow.