World Health Organization (WHO) has honored President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu with World No-Tobacco Day Special Recognition Award in recognition of his leadership and commitment to protecting public health in the Maldives through robust tobacco control measures.
The award was presented to President Muizzu during a ceremony held at Barceló Nasandhura to mark World Health Day by WHO’s South-East Asia Region Director Saima Wazed.
Each year, WHO recognizes individuals and organizations from each of its six regions for their exceptional efforts in tobacco control. These honors include the WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition Awards, the World No Tobacco Day Awards, and, newly introduced in 2025, a WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition Certificate.
WHO’s Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced President Muizzu’s receipt of the award, in which he praised the President for his “exemplary leadership and commitment to protecting the health of the people of the Maldives.”
WHO praised the government's initiatives to combat tobacco use and curb the proliferation of new nicotine products, emphasizing a range of recent policy changes introduced under the President's leadership.
WHO acknowledged the Maldives’ substantial progress in tobacco control, citing the ratification of a key amendment to the Tobacco Control Law. This included expanding smoke-free areas, banning e-cigarettes and e-liquids, raising the legal age for tobacco sales to 21, and enforcing a comprehensive ban on all forms of tobacco advertising and sponsorship.
Additionally, the government implemented higher tobacco taxes to limit affordability and access, and launched a nationwide cessation program offering free support in every health facility.
According to the WHO, these efforts mark a significant national achievement and serve as a strong model for other countries aiming to reduce tobacco use and its harmful effects. The organization called the vision for a Smoke-Free Maldives one that will “save lives and improve the health and wellbeing of current and future generations.”
 
The President’s Office stated that President Muizzu’s recognition by the WHO highlights the Maldives’ growing leadership in public health and its robust policy response to the global tobacco epidemic.