The World Health Organization (WHO) has publicly commended President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu for his inclusion in TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People in Health 2026, praising his transformative push for preventive care and public wellness in the Maldives.

In a Facebook post, WHO Maldives highlighted the President's leadership in advancing health initiatives, noting that his TIME100 spot validates the nation's strides toward healthier communities. 

The global body reaffirmed its partnership with Maldives to achieve Universal Health Coverage and nationwide health security.

TIME's feature spotlighted the Maldives as the world's first nation to enact a generational tobacco ban, prohibiting tobacco sales and use for anyone born after January 2007. 

The magazine credited President Dr. Muizzu, who has prioritized citizen wellbeing since being elected in 2023, also banned vapes and e-cigarettes imports, sales, and consumption to eradicate tobacco entirely.

Complementing these bold steps, the government established smoking cessation clinics island-wide and launched a 24/7 mental health helpline. 

TIME further noted Maldives' landmark elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, despite some viewing the policies as stringent.