In a compelling show of unity and determination, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the NGO VISA, and the University of Mauritius came together for a vibrant, three-week-long campaign to commemorate World No-Tobacco Day 2025.
The celebrations reached a wide cross-section of Mauritian society — from medical, nursing, and university students to vocational trainees, educators, and prisons officers — all united under one message: Say NO to tobacco, and YES to health.
Through workshops, interactive sessions, and awareness activities, participants learned about the dangers of tobacco use, the latest Mauritius Public Health (Restrictions on Tobacco Products) Regulations 2022, and the cunning strategies the tobacco industry uses to hook a new generation — especially young people — through flavoured, attractive, and tech-driven products.
“Don’t be fooled. Resist. Say ‘No’ to tobacco and nicotine addiction and ‘Yes’ to your health,” urged Dr. Anne Ancia, WHO Representative in Mauritius, during the campaign’s launch at the University of Mauritius in Réduit.
A proud highlight of the event was the celebration of Mauritius receiving the WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition Award for its pioneering tobacco control policies. The award was presented to Health Minister Hon. Anil Kumar Bachoo at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva this May.
“Mauritius is showing the world that bold tobacco control is not just possible — it’s happening,” Dr. Ancia declared. “But now is not the time for complacency. We must ensure the new tobacco law is widely known, properly enforced, and effectively save lives — especially those of our younger generations.”
At the campaign launch, Hon. Bachoo reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to defeating the tobacco epidemic. Reflecting on his meeting with WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros in Geneva, he expressed pride in Mauritius’s recognition on the global stage and emphasized the urgency of continued action.
At the University, students were exposed to the many deceptive tactics used by tobacco companies — including the use of thousands of flavors to mask harsh tastes and high-tech product designs aimed at glamorizing smoking. The message was clear: Addiction is not stylish — it’s a trap.
On 09 June 2025, WHO and NGO VISA expanded their reach by sensitizing responsible officers from the Mauritius Institute of Training and Development (MITD). These officers will now guide vocational students in launching small-scale anti-tobacco projects — from posters and short videos to songs and slam poetry — all funded by VISA. These creative campaigns aim to reach more than 2,500 vocational students across 22 training centers, a high-risk group often targeted by the tobacco industry.
The celebration culminated with two impactful training sessions held on 12 and 19 June at the Mauritius Prisons Service (MPS). During the training, 80 staff of the MPS including Prisons Officers, Prisons Nursing Officer, Senior Prisons Health and Safety Officers were empowered to enforce the new tobacco law and to watch out for the industry’s evolving insidious strategies to lure people into smoking.
“I have tried to quit smoking few years back, but I started again. This training has motivated me to go the tobacco cessation clinic for support. I will check in on Monday when I will be off duty”, said Abdul Ali Ramjaun, Prisons Officer.
Same reflection for Fabrice Pegrin, Prisons Officer who understood better why he must contemplate quitting. As for the Prison Nursing Officer, Mrs Aubeeluck: ‘I feel more empowered to help smokers and direct them to the smoking cessation clinic.’
WHO and partners also commended prison authorities for enforcing a strict smoke-free policy in all Mauritian prisons since 2019 and promised the prison tobacco cessation clinic will be included in the evaluation of the national tobacco cessation facilities scheduled for August 2025.
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