World Health Organisation (WHO) has praised President Dr Mohamed Muizz’s robust tobacco control measures, noting these actions, represent not only a national milestone but also a powerful example for other countries seeking to reduce tobacco use and its health consequences.  

The President was recently honored with the World No-Tobacco Day Special Recognition Award by WHO acknowledging his leadership and commitment to protecting public health in the Maldives through robust tobacco control measures.

The first President of Maldives Mohamed Ameen faced a public uprising which led to bodily harm to him, eventually to his death, after he introduced similar tobacco control measures. Hence all leaders after President Amin were hesitant to take such anti-tobacco measures.

However, all Presidents are shown to believe smoking is injurious to health. This is evident from the fact that all Presidents except one, after Amin era were non-smokers. The President who smoked also often spoke against smoking, making it clear he is also in support of tobacco cessation efforts.

Because of the anti-tobacco measures taken by President Muizz , most shops in the country don’t sell loose cigarettes now , instead going for full packs. This alone is one reason the level of smoking has dropped, as all smokers cannot afford to buy full packs at the price of 200 or 300 Rufiyaa. 

Tobacco cessation not only benefits one’s health, but also saves a lot of money, leading to benefits to the entire family.

President Muizz has said that it’s the people who will benefit by quitting smoking even with some level of annoyance towards him.

Presidents Muizz’s decision to go ahead with anti-tobacco measures, being fully aware that it might have adverse effects against him in the coming elections, clearly indicate that he has chosen people’s health over holding the post of President. Present Muizz often says that it is only in Allah he trust, while executing his duties.

The WHO award was announced in an official message from WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who praised President Dr Muizzu for his “exemplary leadership and commitment to protecting the health of the people of the Maldives.”

The WHO commended the Government’s efforts to tackle tobacco use and restrict the spread of emerging nicotine products, highlighting a series of recent policy reforms initiated under the President’s leadership.

WHO acknowledged that, the Maldives has made significant progress by ratifying a major amendment to the Tobacco Control Law, expanding smoke-free spaces, banning e-cigarettes and e-liquids, raising the legal age for the sale of tobacco products to 21, and prohibiting all forms of tobacco advertising and sponsorship. In addition, the government introduced higher taxation on tobacco products to reduce affordability and accessibility and established a nationwide cessation program  offering free support at every health facility across the country.

President Dr Muizzu’s recognition by the WHO underscores the Maldives’ growing leadership in public health and its strong policy response to the global tobacco epidemic.

To View WHO Director General’s message :

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