World Health Assembly Celebrates Global Leaders in Primary Health Care
The World Health Assembly recently honored individuals and organizations for their extraordinary contributions to global health. Six diverse laureates were celebrated by Dr. Víctor Elias Atallah Lajam, President of the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly from the Dominican Republic, alongside representatives from the awarding foundations and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The 2026 awards acknowledge these distinguished individuals for their commitment to enhancing primary health care, reducing health disparities, and moving closer to the global goal of health for all. Chosen by WHO’s Executive Board in February 2026, the laureates exemplify a united dedication to improving health outcomes through scientific excellence, innovation, and community engagement. Their achievements span strengthening primary health care systems, advancing disease control, empowering communities, and increasing access to essential health services for vulnerable groups.
2026 Public Health Prize Winners
- Sasakawa Health Prize: Banconi Community Health Association (ASACOBA), Mali. Recognized for their innovative approach to community-based primary health care, empowering underserved populations through locally driven health solutions.
- United Arab Emirates Health Foundation Prize: Dr. Worawit Tontiwattanasap, Thailand. Honored for enhancing access to health services for rural, stateless, and cross-border populations through outreach, training, and policy advocacy.
- State of Kuwait Health Promotion Foundation’s Prize for Healthy Ageing: Professor Bruno Vellas, France. Acknowledged for pioneering community-based care approaches for the elderly.
- SingHealth, Singapore. Celebrated for its integrated, community-centered strategies promoting healthy ageing and age-friendly environments.
- Dr. LEE Jong-wook Memorial Prize for Public Health: Professor Mohammad Abul Faiz, Bangladesh. Commended for his lifelong dedication to public health, particularly in addressing diseases affecting marginalized populations.
- Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion: Dr. Amr Mohamed Kandeel, Egypt. Recognized for his leadership in developing a resilient, prevention-focused public health system integrating disease control, digital innovation, and equity.
About WHO Public Health Prizes and Awards: Each year during the World Health Assembly, public health prizes and awards are given to individuals and organizations worldwide for their exceptional contributions to public health. Winners are selected from nominations submitted by WHO Member States and past laureates. Selection panels, composed of representatives from the prize foundations and WHO Executive Board Members, review nominees and recommend winners, who are then designated by the WHO Executive Board and presented with awards during the World Health Assembly.
Over the past 15 years, more than 80 laureates from over 50 WHO Member States have been awarded public health prizes. In 2026, nearly 100 nominations from all six WHO regions were submitted, underscoring the global commitment to acknowledging public health excellence.
About WHO: The World Health Organization is dedicated to the health and well-being of all people, guided by scientific evidence. As the United Nations agency for health, it connects nations, partners, and people across over 150 locations, spearheading global responses to health emergencies, disease prevention, and expanding access to healthcare and medicines. The WHO’s mission is to promote health, ensure safety, and serve vulnerable populations. “Together for health. Stand with science” is the theme of World Health Day 2026, emphasizing science as the foundation for protecting global health and well-being.
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