President Muizzu included in the list of the 100 most influential people in health

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has been named in the list of the 100 most influential people in the health sector compiled by the American magazine, TIME.

President Muizzu was included in the TIME100 Health list for 2026 due to the priority and attention he has given to the field of public health.

In listing the President, TIME wrote that in November, the Maldives introduced a "generational ban" to prohibit tobacco use, making it the first country to implement such a policy.

The magazine noted that with this decision, the sale and use of any tobacco products is banned for anyone born after January 2007.

"This is an initiative of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who has given special priority to the well-being of the citizens since his election in 2023," the magazine stated.

Furthermore, TIME highlighted the decision to ban the import, sale, and use of vapes and e-cigarettes in the Maldives. It noted that the primary objective is to completely eliminate tobacco use in the Maldives.

TIME included a quote from President Muizzu stating: "Mostly in the government, the policy has been to take curative action towards health issues instead of focusing more on the preventive side. We are focusing equally on both sides."

While some parties have described certain policies of President Muizzu's government as strict, TIME noted that in addition to the tobacco ban, special clinics have been established for those who wish to quit smoking.

The article also mentioned that a 24/7 mental health helpline has been launched.

Additionally, it was highlighted that the Maldives is the first country to completely eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B.

"All these efforts are being carried out together to bring a meaningful and sustainable change to our lifestyle and the health well-being of the entire nation," President Muizzu stated.