President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has been named as a recipient of a prestigious award from the World Health Organization in recognition of his efforts to control tobacco use in the Maldives.
Each year, WHO honours individuals and organisations from its six global regions for their outstanding contributions to tobacco control. These accolades include the WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition Awards, the World No Tobacco Day Awards, and, in 2025, one WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition Certificate. This year, thirty-six individuals from around the world are recognised for their work against tobacco.
President Muizzu received the WHO Director-General’s Special Award in recognition for his decisive actions to reduce tobacco use in the Maldives. The Ministry of Health and Wellness of Mauritius was also honoured with the same award.
President Muizzu has taken several strict measures against tobacco under his leadership, including a total ban on the import, sale and use of vape. The import duty on cigarettes has also been significantly increased. A decision has also been made to implement a generational ban on smoking for individuals born on and after 01 January 2007.
The WHO has previously described the government’s decision to implement a generational ban on smoking as a bold and important step taken by the government. WHO welcomed the move and said the Maldives was the first country in South-East Asia to introduce such a policy. WHO further noted that Maldives' move is a boost for regional efforts toward a healthy tobacco-free future.
The Maldives has now completed the necessary legal procedures to impose the generational ban. Since assuming office, the government of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has been working hard to build a healthy society and prioritise public health. The age group targeted by the generational ban was determined following a public poll conducted via social media.