During the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in Geneva, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus awarded four distinguished individuals with the Award for Global Health. This recognition celebrates their lifetime achievements and significant contributions to enhancing the health and well-being of populations worldwide.
This year’s honorees are Dr. Tore Godal, Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis, Dr. Mike Ryan, and Dr. Heba El Sewedy. They were acknowledged during the High-Level Welcome of the World Health Assembly (WHA), which focused on the theme, ‘Reshaping global health: a shared responsibility.’
Award Recipients
- Dr. Tore Godal: Honored for his influential role in immunization and infectious disease control, Dr. Godal’s career has been pivotal in prioritizing vaccines globally. He contributed significantly to the establishment of major initiatives such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Roll Back Malaria, and CEPI. His efforts in combating neglected diseases and enhancing community-based treatment programs have protected millions from diseases like river blindness.
- Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis: Recognized for her dedication to expanding immunization and disease elimination in the Americas. Her work was crucial in eradicating measles and rubella in the region and supporting the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis and HIV, marking significant public health achievements.
- Dr. Mike Ryan: Celebrated for his leadership in global health emergency preparedness and response. As a founder of the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) and Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, Dr. Ryan has been instrumental in managing responses to significant epidemics, including SARS, cholera, Ebola, polio, and COVID-19.
- Dr. Heba El Sewedy: Awarded for her commitment to humanitarian action and social justice. Through the Ahl Masr Foundation, she has advanced support for trauma and burn victims, providing both medical and psychological care, and has been a pivotal force in humanitarian aid for those affected by the Gaza conflict.
The achievements of these leaders illustrate the diverse strategies required to attain the highest level of health for all. Their work continues to inspire current and future generations committed to a healthier, safer, and more equitable world.
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