The World Health Organisation (WHO) has congratulated President Dr Mohamed Muizzu for being included in TIME Magazine’s TIME100 Health Most Influential People in Health 2026 list.
In a social media post, WHO said President Muizzu’s inclusion in the list is clear proof that his courageous leadership in disease prevention and public health reform has been recognised around the world. The post also noted it hopes to continue its strong partnership with the Maldives.
President Muizzu was recognised for his special attention to the health sector. TIME noted that the Maldives became the first country to implement a generational smoking ban under his leadership. The move bars anyone born after January 2007 from purchasing or being sold any tobacco products. It further noted the introduction of other landmark policies including a 2024 ban on the import, sale, and use of vapes and e-cigarettes, as part of a plan to eliminate smoking and tobacco use in the country. President Muizzu’s government also established free tobacco cessation clinics on every island and launched a 24/7 mental-health helpline.
TIME further noted that the Maldives became the first country in the world to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.