His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has been named in TIME magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in Health 2026, in recognition of his leadership and policy direction advancing public health and preventive care in the Maldives. The distinction places the Maldivian Head of State among global leaders, policymakers and innovators whose contributions are shaping stronger, more resilient health systems worldwide.
The recognition underscores the Government’s strategic emphasis on preventive healthcare and comprehensive tobacco control measures introduced under President Dr Muizzu’s leadership. Central to these reforms is the implementation of a generational tobacco ban, prohibiting individuals born after January 2007 from purchasing tobacco products, alongside a nationwide ban on the import, sale and use of vapes and e-cigarettes. These measures reflect a forward-looking policy approach designed to safeguard future generations and reduce the long-term burden of non-communicable diseases across the island nation.
In his interview with the magazine, President Dr Muizzu observed that public health policy had traditionally prioritised curative responses to illness, often addressing health concerns after they arise. He emphasised that his Administration has deliberately recalibrated this approach by placing equal focus on prevention and treatment, integrating proactive strategies into the national healthcare framework. This balanced model aims not only to improve immediate health outcomes but also to cultivate healthier lifestyles and reduce systemic pressures on healthcare infrastructure over time.
The Government has complemented legislative reforms with nationwide public health initiatives to ensure accessibility and community-level impact. Tobacco cessation clinics have been established across inhabited islands, providing structured support for individuals seeking to quit smoking. In parallel, a 24-hour mental health helpline has been introduced to enhance access to psychological support services, reflecting a broader commitment to holistic well-being. These initiatives demonstrate a coordinated effort to address both physical and mental health, reinforcing the Maldives’ people-centred approach to healthcare delivery.
The Maldives has also achieved the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, marking a major public health achievement. This milestone reflects sustained investments in maternal and child health services, early detection systems and integrated clinical care. The accomplishment positions the Maldives among countries that have successfully met international benchmarks in preventing vertical transmission of these infections, contributing to improved long-term health prospects for future generations.
President Dr Muizzu highlighted that these initiatives were implemented collectively to generate meaningful, measurable and lasting improvements in the health and lifestyle of the Maldivian population. By combining legislative reform, clinical services and public awareness, the Administration has sought to embed prevention as a national priority while maintaining robust treatment pathways.
TIME magazine, a globally recognised publication known for its coverage of news, culture and public affairs, compiles the TIME100 Health list to identify individuals whose work has a measurable impact on health systems and outcomes worldwide. The inclusion of President Dr Muizzu reflects growing international recognition of the Maldives’ progress in strengthening its health sector and advancing forward-thinking public policy.
In 2025, President Dr Muizzu was also honoured with the World No Tobacco Day Special Recognition Award by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, acknowledging his leadership in implementing comprehensive tobacco control measures. Together, these accolades signal increasing global acknowledgement of the Maldives’ commitment to preventive healthcare, public health reform and the pursuit of sustainable, long-term wellbeing for its people.
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