World No Tobacco Day 2026: Health Ministry to roll out targeted initiatives

The Ministry of Health and Wellness will commemorate World No Tobacco Day 2026 through a series of initiatives aligned with this year’s theme, “Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction”.

A workshop focusing on raising awareness on tobacco and nicotine consumption among children will be held for administrative cadres of primary and secondary schools on 01 June 2026.

With the objective of raising awareness on the ill effects of tobacco consumption and promoting tobacco cessation services available in Mauritius, a mass media campaign will be initiated. Alongside, pamphlets on the detrimental effects of tobacco products such as cigarettes and vapes will be launched for dissemination.

Moreover, the Ministry will collaborate with the Police de l’Environnement and the Mauritius Police Force to intensify operations in view of enhancing the enforcement of tobacco regulations. Operations for enforcing bans on retail sale of cigarettes and sale of tobacco to minors will also be increased.

The 2026 campaign will feature sensitisation campaigns in secondary schools in collaboration with the Health Information Education and Communication Unit and the Health Promotion Unit of the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

World No Tobacco Day

Observed on May 31 each year, World No Tobacco Day brings together governments, health organisations, the civil society and youth activists with the goal of dismantling the tobacco epidemic and ensure a nicotine-free future for the next generation.

2026 Campaign: Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction

Through this year’s campaign, the World Health Organisation aims at revealing how the tobacco and nicotine industry continues to reinvent and repackage its products to hook a new generation, particularly children and adolescents, while evading stronger tobacco control measures worldwide.

19 May 2026

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Topics: Health