The World 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 2026, recognising the Maldives’ recent public health reforms and preventive care policies.

In a message shared on social media, WHO described President Dr Muizzu’s inclusion on the TIME list as recognition of leadership in advancing preventive healthcare and public health reform. The organisation said it looks forward to continuing cooperation with the Maldives on strengthening national health outcomes and health system development.

President Dr Muizzu was named among TIME’s most influential figures in the health sector for 2026, with the publication citing major policy measures introduced by the Administration. These include the generational tobacco ban, which prohibits the sale of tobacco products to individuals born after January 2007, as well as the ban on the import, sale, and use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices.

TIME also noted that the Government has paired regulatory measures with expanded public health support, including the establishment of tobacco cessation clinics across inhabited islands and the introduction of a 24-hour mental health helpline to support individuals seeking to quit smoking.

The magazine further highlighted the Maldives’ achievement in eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, marking a significant public health milestone.

Since assuming office in 2023, President Dr Muizzu’s Administration has placed increased emphasis on preventive healthcare, tobacco control, and public health awareness programmes. WHO previously presented the Maldives with a special recognition award for its tobacco control efforts, underscoring international acknowledgement of the country’s health policy direction.