President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has received the World No-Tobacco Day Special Recognition Award from the World Health Organization (WHO), celebrating his leadership in advancing tobacco control in the Maldives.
In a message from WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, President Muizzu was commended for his “exemplary leadership and commitment to protecting the health of the people of the Maldives.”
The WHO highlighted key reforms under President Muizzu’s administration, including the ratification of amendments to the Tobacco Control Law, expansion of smoke-free zones, a ban on e-cigarettes, raising the legal tobacco sale age to 21, and a full ban on tobacco advertising and sponsorship. The government has also introduced higher taxes on tobacco and launched a free nationwide cessation programme.
The WHO praised these efforts as a national milestone and a model for other countries, reinforcing the Maldives’ commitment to a smoke-free future.
In a message from WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, President Muizzu was commended for his “exemplary leadership and commitment to protecting the health of the people of the Maldives.”
The WHO highlighted key reforms under President Muizzu’s administration, including the ratification of amendments to the Tobacco Control Law, expansion of smoke-free zones, a ban on e-cigarettes, raising the legal tobacco sale age to 21, and a full ban on tobacco advertising and sponsorship. The government has also introduced higher taxes on tobacco and launched a free nationwide cessation programme.
The WHO praised these efforts as a national milestone and a model for other countries, reinforcing the Maldives’ commitment to a smoke-free future.
