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Geneva, May 21, 2025 — Mauritius has been internationally applauded for its exemplary achievements in tobacco control, receiving the prestigious World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General’s Special Recognition Award during the opening session of the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 19, 2025.
The award, presented by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, was accepted by The Honorable Anil Kumar Bachoo, Minister of Health and Wellness of Mauritius. Dr. Tedros commended Mauritius for its steadfast commitment to public health and its leadership in implementing robust tobacco control measures.
Two Decades of Leadership
Mauritius’ journey toward global recognition began over 20 years ago. The island nation was a key advocate for the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) and became one of the first countries to ratify it in 2004. This early commitment led to the introduction of Africa’s first comprehensive, FCTC-aligned tobacco control regulations by 2008. These pioneering steps included:
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Pictorial health warnings on cigarette packaging
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A total ban on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship
Bold Reforms and Global Impact
Mauritius solidified its status as a global leader in 2022 by enacting some of the world’s most stringent tobacco control laws. These included:
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Plain packaging for all tobacco products
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Larger, more graphic health warnings
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Comprehensive smoke-free laws covering all indoor public places and most outdoor public spaces
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Strong restrictions on tobacco industry interference in policymaking
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Bans on waterpipes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, flavored, and roll-your-own tobacco
Mauritius became the first African country to introduce plain packaging and only the third globally to fully implement the WHO FCTC and MPOWER strategies at the highest level.
Measurable Health Gains
Thanks to these sustained efforts, national health statistics show a steady decline in smoking prevalence:
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2009: 21.7%
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2015: 19.3%
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2021: 18.1%
However, the 2021 data also highlight ongoing challenges, with 35.3% of men and only 3.7% of women reporting tobacco use. Among men aged 25–34, the prevalence remains high at 47.9%, signaling the need for targeted interventions among younger populations.
A Model for Global Health
The WHO’s recognition underscores Mauritius’ holistic approach to tobacco control as a model for other nations. Minister Bachoo, in his acceptance speech, emphasized the importance of community engagement, health education, and cross-sector collaboration to sustain progress. He reaffirmed Mauritius’ commitment to achieving a smoke-free generation and encouraged other countries to intensify their tobacco control efforts.
Looking Ahead
As the World Health Assembly addresses global health challenges, Mauritius stands as a testament to the power of political will, public support, and evidence-based policymaking. The 2025 WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition Award not only celebrates Mauritius’ achievements but also inspires continued vigilance against the evolving tactics of the tobacco industry.
Congratulations, Mauritius, on setting a global benchmark for tobacco-free progress!
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information from the Devdiscourse report titled “Mauritius Awarded WHO DG Special Recognition for Tobacco Control” published on May 21, 2025. For more details, please refer to the original source: Devdiscourse Article. The information presented is for news reporting purposes and may be subject to updates or further verification.
