WHA79 Honours Six Global Health Champions with Prestigious 2026 Public Health Prizes

The World Health Assembly (WHA) has honoured six outstanding individuals and institutions from across the globe for their extraordinary contributions to public health, recognizing decades of dedication to improving lives, strengthening health systems and advancing equitable access to care. The awards were presented during the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly by Assembly President Dr Víctor Elias Atallah Lajam of the Dominican Republic, alongside WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and representatives of the foundations sponsoring the prizes.

The 2026 public health laureates represent a powerful cross-section of innovators, researchers, community leaders and healthcare institutions whose work has transformed healthcare delivery in some of the world’s most vulnerable and underserved regions. Their achievements highlight the continuing global push toward universal health coverage, stronger primary healthcare systems, disease prevention and healthier ageing.

This year’s ceremony also carried special historical significance as 2026 marks the twentieth anniversary of the passing of Dr LEE Jong-wook, the sixth Director-General of the World Health Organization, who died unexpectedly during the World Health Assembly in 2006. One of the awards, the Dr LEE Jong-wook Memorial Prize for Public Health, continues to celebrate his vision of equitable healthcare and his lifelong commitment to improving health outcomes for marginalized communities.

WHO Celebrates Global Leadership in Public Health

The World Health Organization stated that the 2026 winners exemplify the spirit of innovation, resilience and compassion needed to address modern global health challenges. From combating infectious diseases and improving rural healthcare access to promoting healthy ageing and leveraging digital health technologies, the laureates have contributed to building more inclusive and sustainable healthcare systems.

WHO officials emphasized that the selected awardees demonstrate how local solutions, community engagement and scientific excellence can collectively drive global health progress.

Sasakawa Health Prize Awarded to Mali’s Community Health Pioneer

The prestigious Sasakawa Health Prize was awarded to the Banconi Community Health Association (ASACOBA) of Mali for its pioneering efforts in strengthening community-based primary healthcare.

ASACOBA has become a model for grassroots healthcare delivery in West Africa by empowering local communities to take ownership of health services. Operating in underserved regions where healthcare access remains limited, the organization has played a crucial role in maternal and child healthcare, vaccination outreach, disease prevention and health education.

The association’s community-led approach has significantly improved healthcare accessibility for vulnerable populations while helping bridge gaps between public health authorities and local residents. Health experts have praised ASACOBA for demonstrating how locally driven initiatives can improve health outcomes even in resource-constrained settings.

Thai Physician Recognized for Expanding Healthcare Access Across Borders

The United Arab Emirates Health Foundation Prize was awarded to Dr Worawit Tontiwattanasap of Thailand for his transformative work in delivering healthcare services to rural, stateless and cross-border populations.

For years, Dr Tontiwattanasap has worked to improve healthcare access among marginalized communities living along Thailand’s border regions. These populations often face significant barriers including lack of citizenship documentation, poverty and geographical isolation.

Through mobile outreach programs, healthcare training initiatives and policy advocacy, he has helped thousands gain access to essential medical services. His work has also focused on strengthening cooperation between local authorities and healthcare providers to ensure more inclusive public health policies.

Global health observers noted that his efforts have become increasingly important in an era where migration, displacement and cross-border health challenges require coordinated and compassionate healthcare responses.

France and Singapore Honoured for Advancing Healthy Ageing

The State of Kuwait Health Promotion Foundation’s His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Prize for the Promotion of Healthy Ageing was jointly awarded to Professor Bruno Vellas of France and SingHealth of Singapore.

Professor Bruno Vellas

Professor Bruno Vellas was recognized for his groundbreaking work in developing innovative, community-based healthcare approaches for older adults. A globally respected geriatrician and researcher, Professor Vellas has spent decades advancing the understanding of ageing-related diseases, including dementia and frailty.

His work has focused on improving quality of life for elderly populations through early intervention, integrated care models and preventive health strategies. He has also contributed extensively to international research on ageing and public health policy.

With populations ageing rapidly around the world, WHO officials highlighted the growing importance of developing sustainable healthcare systems capable of supporting older citizens while maintaining independence and dignity.

SingHealth, Singapore

Singapore’s SingHealth was honoured for its integrated and community-centred strategies supporting healthy ageing and age-friendly environments.

As one of Asia’s leading healthcare groups, SingHealth has implemented innovative programs that combine healthcare services, community support and preventive care for older populations. Its initiatives focus on helping seniors remain active, socially connected and healthier for longer.

The organization has also pioneered cross-sector collaboration involving healthcare providers, local communities and government agencies to create more inclusive urban environments suited for ageing populations.

Public health experts consider Singapore’s ageing policies and healthcare strategies among the most advanced globally, particularly as nations prepare for demographic transitions driven by increasing life expectancy.

Bangladeshi Public Health Expert Receives Dr LEE Jong-wook Memorial Prize

The Dr LEE Jong-wook Memorial Prize for Public Health was awarded to Professor Mohammad Abul Faiz of Bangladesh for his lifelong contribution to improving healthcare for rural, poor and marginalized communities.

Professor Faiz is widely recognized for his work in infectious disease control, public health policy and medical education. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has played a vital role in addressing diseases that disproportionately affect disadvantaged populations in Bangladesh and beyond.

His contributions include advancing healthcare access in rural areas, strengthening disease surveillance and supporting medical training initiatives. WHO officials praised his dedication to ensuring that vulnerable communities receive equitable healthcare services.

The award also symbolizes the enduring legacy of Dr LEE Jong-wook, whose leadership at WHO emphasized expanding healthcare access and fighting global health inequalities.

Egypt’s Dr Amr Mohamed Kandeel Wins Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion

The Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion was presented to Dr Amr Mohamed Kandeel of Egypt for his leadership in building a resilient, prevention-oriented public health system.

Dr Kandeel has been instrumental in modernizing disease surveillance systems, integrating digital health technologies and strengthening public health preparedness in Egypt. His work has focused heavily on prevention, rapid disease detection and equitable healthcare delivery.

Under his leadership, public health programs have expanded the use of digital innovation to improve disease monitoring and emergency response capabilities. WHO noted that his efforts have helped reinforce health system resilience in the face of emerging global health threats.

The Nelson Mandela Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding dedication to health promotion and social justice, values closely associated with the legacy of the late South African leader.

Global Health Challenges Continue to Demand Innovation and Cooperation

The 2026 public health prizes come at a time when the global health community continues to confront multiple challenges, including infectious disease outbreaks, ageing populations, healthcare inequities and climate-related health risks.

WHO leaders stressed that the work of this year’s laureates demonstrates the importance of international cooperation, scientific advancement and community participation in overcoming these challenges.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the awardees serve as powerful examples of how commitment and innovation can help bring the world closer to achieving the goal of “Health for All.”

The recognition of healthcare pioneers from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East also reflects the increasingly global nature of public health leadership and the shared responsibility of improving health outcomes worldwide.

As countries continue to strengthen healthcare systems in the aftermath of recent global health crises, the achievements of the 2026 laureates offer valuable lessons on resilience, equity and the transformative power of community-driven healthcare initiatives.