President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has received the World No-Tobacco Day Special Recognition Award from the World Health Organization (WHO), recognising the Administration’s recent efforts to strengthen tobacco control in the Maldives.

The WHO had announced the award on May 20, ahead of World No-Tobacco Day, and the President was formally presented with the honour during a ceremony held on Thursday night.

The organisation credited the Maldives for implementing a series of major policy reforms, including banning e-cigarettes and e-liquids, expanding smoke-free public spaces, raising the legal age for purchasing tobacco to 21, and prohibiting all forms of tobacco advertising and sponsorship. The Government also introduced higher taxes on tobacco products and rolled out a nationwide cessation programme offering free support at health facilities across the country.

One of the most notable elements of the current tobacco control agenda is the generational smoking ban, introduced through amendments to the Tobacco Control Act. Under the law, the sale of tobacco products is prohibited to anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, making the Maldives the second country in the world to enact such a restriction after New Zealand.

The WHO described these measures as a significant national achievement and a compelling example for other countries working to reduce tobacco use and its health consequences. The vision of a Smoke-Free Maldives, the organisation stated, is expected to save lives and improve the wellbeing of both current and future generations.