Ministers welcome president’s inclusion in TIME health list
The recognition marks the first time a President of the Maldives has been included in TIME’s global health list.
Several cabinet ministers have welcomed the inclusion of Mohamed Muizzu in TIME magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in global health this year.
President Muizzu was recognised for measures introduced in the Maldives aimed at reducing tobacco use and strengthening public health policy. These include increases in duty on cigarettes, a ban on the import and use of vaping products, restrictions on the sale and use of cigarettes for individuals born after a specified year, and prohibitions on the sale of tobacco products to persons below a set age threshold.
Finance Minister Moosa Zameer said the measures are directly linked to the health of the population and that the government’s objective is to implement policies that improve public health outcomes.
He also noted that the Maldives became the first country to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B simultaneously.
Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed said the recognition reflects efforts undertaken to improve health standards and ensure safety in healthcare services.
Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim also welcomed the President’s inclusion in the list.
The recognition marks the first time a President of the Maldives has been included in TIME’s global health list.
