President Muizzu Named in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Health 2026

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has been included in TIME magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in Health 2026” list.

TIME said the list recognises individuals whose work is shaping health systems and influencing global public health outcomes.

According to the publication, President Muizzu was recognised for public health reforms introduced during his administration, including tobacco control measures and expanded preventive health initiatives.

One of the most notable policies cited is the generational tobacco ban, which prohibits individuals born on or after 1 January 2007 from legally purchasing tobacco products. The government has also implemented a nationwide ban on the import, sale, and use of vapes and e-cigarettes.

In an interview with TIME, President Muizzu said his administration has sought to rebalance public health policy by placing greater emphasis on prevention alongside treatment.

“For too long, our systems were reactive, focused on treating illness rather than preventing it. My administration has made it a core principle to invest equally in prevention and treatment,” he said.

The government has established tobacco cessation clinics across the atolls and launched a 24-hour national mental health helpline to expand access to psychosocial services.

The Maldives has also achieved the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, a milestone verified by the World Health Organization.

In 2025, President Muizzu received the World No Tobacco Day Special Recognition Award from WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who commended the Maldives’ tobacco control measures.

TIME described the Health 100 list as highlighting leaders whose actions are influencing health policy and outcomes worldwide.