WHO commends Mauritius on lifesaving tobacco regulations

On 20 May 2022 the Cabinet of the Republic of Mauritius approved the new Public Health (Restrictions on Tobacco Products) Regulations 2022, issued under the Public Health Act.

The new Regulations are ground-breaking, introducing standardized plain packaging for tobacco products, implementing a set of bold new combined graphic health warnings which will now cover 70- 100% of available display areas on tobacco packaging, expanding smoke-free spaces to protect children, workers and the public, strengthening restrictions on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, and introducing new import and sales restrictions, new reporting requirements for tobacco manufacturers and importers and reduced ignition propensity standards for cigarettes. Mauritius is one of two countries in 2022 to notify WHO of the adoption of plain packaging Regulations in the WHO African Region.

The Mauritian Ministry of Health and Wellness has worked for several years, supported by WHO, to develop these comprehensive new Regulations. Congratulations to the team at the Ministry for their commitment and hard work, to the Minister for Health for his  dedication, commitment and courage in bringing these Regulations to the Cabinet, and to Cabinet for approving this important new protection against the health risks of tobacco products in Mauritius.

Source: World Health Organisation