News Desk
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has been named to the TIME100 Health list for 2026, an annual selection of the world’s most influential figures transforming global well-being. The recognition comes as the Maldives positions itself at the vanguard of public health policy, most notably through its historic “generational tobacco ban” and a comprehensive pivot towards preventive medicine.
The selection of President Muizzu highlights a dramatic shift in the island nation’s health strategy. Last year, the Maldives became the first country to implement a legal framework that bars anyone born after January 2007 from ever purchasing tobacco products. This “smoke-free generation” policy, paired with a total ban on vapes and e-cigarettes enacted in 2024, has drawn international acclaim from the World Health Organization (WHO) and public health advocates.
In his Presidential Address to the Majlis on 5 February, President Muizzu framed these health initiatives not merely as clinical interventions, but as the cornerstone of national stability.
“I am committed to building a Maldives that is home to educated, healthy, physically fit, mentally strong, and morally grounded citizens,” the President stated. “This is my responsibility — and it is my greatest honour. Such a society is essential for creating an economy that is vibrant and resilient.”
His administration has moved aggressively to back these words with infrastructure. The government has decentralised care, opening General Practitioner (GP) and Urban Primary Healthcare Centres across the capital region and regional hubs to “end the long-standing dependence on Malé.”
Furthermore, the President underscored the success of the 24-hour National Mental Health Helpline, launched in February 2025, which has already provided support to 13,741 individuals. On the legislative front, he announced a new pathway for inclusive education:
“I will submit to this Majlis… a legislative amendment to establish a home-schooling pathway for children whose disabilities or mental-health conditions require alternative learning arrangements.”
The Director-General of the WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, praised the President’s “exemplary leadership,” noting that the Maldives’ strict stance on nicotine products serves as an “inspiring example” for other nations.
Under President Muizzu’s tenure, the Maldives also became the first country to achieve the “triple elimination” of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B—a feat long thought difficult for small island developing states.
TIME100 Health: Mohamed Muizzu | TIME
Other Notable Names on the TIME100 Health 2026 List:
President Muizzu shares the 2026 list with a diverse group of world leaders, scientists, and cultural icons who have impacted global well-being:
Public Figures & Policy Makers:
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr.:S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, recognized for his influence on American health policy.
- Mehmet Oz (Dr. Oz): Administrator of the U.S. Centres for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
- Chris Hemsworth: The actor was recognized for his work in longevity and health awareness (often linked to his documentary series Limitless).
- Jesse Eisenberg: Honoured for his advocacy and personal contributions as a kidney donor.
- John & Hank Green: The authors and philanthropists were cited for their global advocacy in tuberculosis (TB) treatment access.
Scientists & Innovators:
- Michael Osterholm: Director of CIDRAP, recognized for his leadership in infectious disease preparedness.
- Kiran Musunuru & Dr. Rebecca Ahrens-Nicklas: Noted for administering the first-ever customized CRISPR therapy to treat a genetic disease in an infant.
- Victor Bultó (Novartis US): For pioneering the adoption of radioligand therapy for cancer care.
- Katherine Stueland (CEO of GeneDx): For her work in using genomic data to accelerate the diagnosis of rare diseases.
- Pascal Geldsetzer: A Stanford researcher recognized for landmark studies linking shingles vaccinations to a reduced risk of dementia.
- Takanori Takebe: A scientist at Cincinnati Children’s who developed a method to deliver oxygen via liquid to patients in respiratory distress.
Global Health Leaders:
- Daniel O’Day: CEO of Gilead Sciences, recognized for advancements in the fight against HIV.
- Mike Doustdar: CEO of Novo Nordisk, for his role in bringing the first GLP-1 (weight loss/diabetes) pill to the market.
- Peter Sands: Executive Director of the Global Fund, for his work in filling funding gaps for global infectious diseases.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros:
“We recognize your exemplary leadership and commitment to protecting the health of the people of the Maldives. We applaud especially your strong action to combat tobacco and restrict the spread of emerging nicotine products. Under your leadership, the Maldives has taken bold steps… these are not only significant achievements for the Maldives, they serve as inspiring examples for other countries.”
