Asociatia Creierului IasiRisk to Europe remains very low as Ebola outbreak intensifies in DRC
Bacterial STIs reach record highs in Europe, as congenital syphilis cases nearly double
Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly – Daily update: 19 May 2026
Epidemiological update: Spread of multidrug-resistant and extensively-drug resistant Shigella in Europe
Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly honours global champions advancing primary health care
Today, the World Health Assembly recognized individuals and institutions whose contributions to global health have gone far beyond the call of duty. Six laureates representing diverse backgrounds and contexts were honoured by the President of the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly, Dr Víctor Elias Atallah Lajam of Dominican Republic, together with representatives of the foundations that have provided these prizes over the last 40 years, and WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The 2026 prizes celebrate the remarkable dedication of the six awardees to advancing primary health care, reducing inequities and bringing the goal of health for all closer to reality. Selected by WHO’s Executive Board in February 2026, the 2026 laureates reflect a shared commitment to improving health outcomes through scientific excellence, innovation and community outreach. Their work ranges from strengthening primary health care systems and advancing disease control to empowering communities and expanding access to essential services for the most vulnerable populations.
This year marks 20 years since the passing of Dr LEE Jong-wook, WHO’s sixth Director-General, who passed away unexpectedly during the World Health Assembly in 2006. One of the prizes awarded today, the Dr LEE Jong-wook Memorial Prize for Public Health, honours his legacy and enduring contribution to global health.
Winners of the 2026 public health prizesSasakawa Health Prize- The Banconi Community Health Association (ASACOBA), Mali
Recognized for its pioneering role in strengthening community-based primary health care and empowering underserved populations through locally driven health services.
- Dr Worawit Tontiwattanasap, Thailand
Recognized for transforming access to health services for rural, stateless and cross-border populations through outreach services, training and policy advocacy.
- Professor Bruno Vellas, France
Recognized for advancing and developing innovative, community-based approaches to care for older people. - SingHealth, Singapore
Recognized for its integrated, cross-sectoral and community-centred strategies supporting healthy ageing and age-friendly environments.
- Professor Mohammad Abul Faiz, Bangladesh
Recognized for his lifelong contribution to public health, particularly in addressing diseases affecting rural, poor and marginalized populations.
- Dr Amr Mohamed Kandeel, Egypt
Recognized for his leadership in building a resilient, prevention-oriented public health system integrating disease control, digital innovation and equity.
About WHO public health prizes and awards
Every year, during the World Health Assembly, public health prizes and awards are presented to individuals and institutions from around the world for their outstanding contributions to public health.
Public health foundation prizes are awarded following nominations submitted by WHO Member States and former laureates. Selection panels composed of representatives of the prize foundations and WHO Executive Board Members review candidates and make recommendations. The WHO Executive Board designates the winners each year, and the awards are presented during a plenary session of the World Health Assembly.
Over the past 15 years, more than 80 laureates from over 50 WHO Member States have received public health prizes. In 2026, nearly 100 nominations were submitted from across all six WHO regions, reflecting a significant increase in global engagement in recognizing public health excellence.
Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance at a safe and healthy life.
We are the UN agency for health that connects nations, partners and people on the front lines in 150+ locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.
“Together for health. Stand with science”, the theme of World Health Day 2026 marks a year-long campaign to highlight science as the foundation for protecting health and well-being worldwide.
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World Health Assembly opens in Geneva, Switzerland
The Seventy-ninth session of the World Health Assembly (WHA79) opened in Geneva, Switzerland today, with the election of Dr Víctor Elías Atallah Lajam of the Dominican Republic as the President of the Health Assembly.
The elected Vice-Presidents are Dr Mohamed Ali Al-Ghouj of Libya, Dr Assa Badiallo Touré of Mali, Mrs Katarzyna Drążek -Laskowska of Poland, Mrs Neesha Mehta of Nepal, and Mr Elias Kapavore of Papua New Guinea. Dr Timur Sultangaziyev of Kazakhstan and Dr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh of Ghana are the Chairs of the Committee A and Committee B, respectively.
During the high-level welcome, H.E. Elisabeth Baume‑Schneider, Federal Councillor of the Swiss Confederation, addressed the Health Assembly on behalf of the host country, followed by remarks from H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana and Special Guest of Honour.
Delegates also heard video messages from H.E. António Guterres, United Nations Secretary‑General, H.E. Ahmad Al Sharaa, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, and H.E. Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director‑General, addressed the Assembly and then presented the Awards for Global Health to Dr Tore Godal, Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis, Dr Mike Ryan and Dr Heba El Sewedy, recognizing their lifetime achievements and exceptional contributions to improving the health and well-being of communities worldwide.
Special Guest, H.E. Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister of Spain, addressed the Assembly at the conclusion of the afternoon session in the Plenary.
Director-General presents Award for Global Health to four distinguished leaders
At the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in Geneva, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has presented four distinguished leaders with the Award for Global Health, recognizing their lifetime achievements and exceptional contributions to improving the health and well-being of communities worldwide.
This year’s laureates are Dr Tore Godal, Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis, Dr Mike Ryan and Dr Heba El Sewedy. They were celebrated during the High-Level Welcome of the World Health Assembly (WHA), held this year under the theme “Reshaping global health: a shared responsibility.”
Established in 2019, the Director-General’s Awards for Global Health recognize individuals whose leadership and commitment have delivered tangible improvements in health outcomes around the world.
“I am honoured to present the Global Health Leaders Awards to four individuals who have made outstanding lifetime contributions to global health,” said Dr Tedros.
Dr Tore Godal was recognized for his transformative leadership in immunization and infectious diseases. Throughout his distinguished career, he played a pivotal role in elevating vaccines as a global development priority and helped establish major initiatives including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Roll Back Malaria and CEPI, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. He also played a pivotal role in the fight against neglected diseases when leading WHO’s Tropical Diseases Programme, and expanding work on leprosy and malaria. He helped expand community-based ivermectin distribution and onchocerciasis control efforts, which contributed to protecting large populations from river blindness. Dr Godal’s work has translated scientific research into large-scale public health action, protecting millions of lives.
Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis was recognized for her lifelong commitment in expanding immunization and disease elimination in the Region of the Americas and beyond. Her contributions were instrumental in achieving the elimination of measles and rubella in the Americas – the first region in the world to reach this milestone. Her advocacy and support of the regional Dual Elimination Initiative also supported the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis and HIV in the Americas. Through research, community engagement and regional collaboration, she has advanced a holistic approach to health and development and had a profound impact on the lives of many people in the Americas and globally.
Dr Mike Ryan was honoured for his leadership in strengthening global preparedness for and response to health emergencies. A founder of the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), he has shaped international systems for detecting and responding to epidemics, and – when serving as the Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme – led operational responses to SARS, cholera, Ebola, polio and COVID-19. His leadership during major outbreaks and humanitarian crises working in some of the most challenging environments has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable communities and advancing global health security.
Dr Heba Elsewedy received the award for her dedication to humanitarian action and social justice. Through the Ahl Masr Foundation, which she founded in 2013, she has pioneered comprehensive approaches to the prevention and treatment of trauma and burn injuries, while promoting awareness, dignity and the reintegration of survivors. Dr Heba Elsewedy's foundation has been instrumental in providing medical and psychological support to burn victims, as well as humanitarian aid to those affected by the Gaza conflict. Her work has transformed lives and stands as a model of compassionate, people-centred care, and a source of inspiration for many young public health advocates.
From steering large-public health actions, to leading scientific innovations, engaging with communities and protecting people against emergencies and infectious diseases, the 2026 awardees reflect the diversity of approaches needed to achieve the highest possible level of health for all. Their achievements serve as a source of inspiration for current and future generations working for a healthier, safer and more equitable world for all.
