WHO praises President Muizzu for inclusion in TIME100 influential list

TWorld Health Organization (WHO) has congratulated President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu following his inclusion in TIME magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in health.

President Muizzu was featured in this year's TIME100 Health list in recognition of the high priority and attention he has given to the public health sector.

In a social media post offering congratulations to the President, the WHO stated today that his inclusion in the list of the 100 most influential health figures is a recognition of his hard work in promoting preventive healthcare and public health initiatives.

The WHO further noted that the TIME list reflects the efforts being made by the Maldives to ensure the health and well-being of the public.

The organization affirmed its commitment to continue supporting the Maldivian government’s efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage and provide health security for all.

Regarding his inclusion in the influential health list, TIME noted that the Maldives has become the first country to introduce and implement a "generational ban" to prohibit smoking. The magazine highlighted that under this decision, the sale and use of any tobacco products are 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," TIME wrote.

The magazine also noted the ban on the import, sale, and use of vapes and e-cigarettes in the Maldives, describing it as an effort to completely eliminate tobacco use in the country. While some have characterized certain policies of President Muizzu's government as strict, TIME mentioned that in addition to the tobacco ban, special clinics have been established for those wishing to quit smoking.

The article also referenced the launch of a 24/7 mental health helpline and highlighted that the Maldives is the first country to completely eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B.