Stakeholders review findings of Mauritius Tobacco Interference Index 2025

A stakeholder engagement meeting to present and discuss the findings of the Mauritius Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025 was held, this morning, at the Gold Crest Hotel in Quatre Bornes.

The event brought together key stakeholders, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative, Mrs Vinoda Vythelingum; the Global Research Coordinator of the Global Centre for Good Governance and Tobacco Control, Mr Yodhim Del Rosa; Associate Professor at the University of Mauritius, Dr Marie France Chan Sun; the President of the Volunteer Involved in Student Activities (VISA), Mr Poubarlanaden Appavoo; as well as representatives from various ministries and partner organisations.

The report, conducted by the University of Mauritius in collaboration with VISA, forms part of a global survey coordinated by the Global Centre for Good Governance in Tobacco Control, covering 100 countries. It assesses how governments address tobacco industry interference in line with Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

During the meeting, participants exchanged views on strategies to counter industry influence on policymaking and strengthen implementation of tobacco control measures. The session also served as a platform to review findings and identify practical actions to reinforce evidence-based policies and safeguard public health.

In her address, Mrs Vinoda Vythelingum underscored that tobacco use remains a leading preventable cause of death worldwide, contributing to over 8 million deaths annually. She noted that in Mauritius, non-communicable diseases account for nearly 80% of deaths, with tobacco use being a major risk factor. While highlighting progress such as pictorial warnings, advertising bans, smoke-free laws, and plain packaging, she pointed out that smoking prevalence remains at 18.1%, including among youth.

Mauritius ranked 15th out of 100 countries in the 2025 Index, with a score of 41, placing it among the top performers in Africa. However, challenges persist, particularly through industry influence in sectors such as tourism and hospitality. Mrs Vythelingum reaffirmed WHO’s support in implementing the report’s recommendations, stressing the need for stronger awareness, monitoring, and reporting mechanisms.

Dr Chan Sun, for her part, described the Index as an important measure of the country’s efforts to protect public health from tobacco industry interests. She recalled that Mauritius received a WHO Special Recognition Award in 2024 and ranked 10th out of 90 countries in the 2023 Index. The 2025 report, she noted, aims to build on these achievements while addressing remaining gaps.

She called for continued collaboration among stakeholders to implement the recommendations and further strengthen Mauritius’ position in global tobacco control efforts.

27 April 2026

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Topics: Health