Today, the World Health Organization proudly celebrates Mauritius for its relentless and resolute commitments to tobacco control. The country is being recognized with the prestigious WHO Director General Special Recognition Award as part of World No-Tobacco Day 2025.
On this Monday 19 May 2025, at the very onset of the 78th World Health Assembly,
The Honorable Anil Kumar Bachoo, Minister of Health and Wellness received the Award directly from the hand of the WHO Director General in recognition of Mauritius exceptional efforts in tobacco control.
This recognition comes as no surprise. The World Health Organization has long regarded Mauritius as a Global Champion in the fight against tobacco.
Mauritius has demonstrated sustained leadership since 2003, supporting the establishment of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). In 2004, the Republic of Mauritius became one of the first parties to ratify the Framework Convention. By 2008, the country had introduced its first WHO FCTC-compliant tobacco control regulations, mandating pictorial health warnings on cigarette packaging and implementing a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship — a pioneering move in Africa.
