World Health Assembly Honors Global Health Champions at Special Ceremony

The eight laureates were chosen to celebrate their unique contributions to public health in their respective countries and globally.

During a special ceremony at the Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly in Geneva on Friday, May 31, 2024, individuals and institutions from around the world were recognized for their exceptional contributions to public health.

Under the presidency of Dr. Edwin Dikoloti of Botswana, the World Health Assembly presented awards to eight winners, acknowledging their remarkable achievements in advancing public health both locally and globally. The awards were presented by high-level representatives of the organizations providing the public health awards, alongside Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, who served as Administrator for the prizes.

Nominations for the awards are solicited annually following the conclusion of the World Health Assembly. Candidates can be nominated by national health administrations of WHO Member States or by previous recipients of the awards. The Executive Board, during its 154th session in January 2024, designated the winners of the 2024 prizes based on recommendations from dedicated selection panels.

The eight laureates were chosen to celebrate their unique contributions to public health in their respective countries and globally. Hailing from four WHO regions - Africa, the Eastern-Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and the Western Pacific - each winner has left an indelible mark on the field of public health through their dedication and innovation.

Here are the winners of the 2024 prizes:

Dr. LEE Jong-wook Memorial Prize for Public Health: Dr. Bader Al-Rawahi, Oman

Sasakawa Health Prize: Dr. Doreen Ramogola-Masire, Botswana

United Arab Emirates Health Foundation Prize: National Death Registry System, Saudi Arabia

His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Prize for Research in Health Care for the Elderly and in Health Promotion: Chinese Geriatrics Society, China, and Dr. Ahmed Hamed Saif Al Wahaibi, Oman

Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion: Professor Bontle Mbongwe, Botswana, and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), India

Ihsan Doğramacı Family Health Foundation Prize: Dr. Jamila Taiseer Yasser Al Abri, Oman

Each recipient has demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment to advancing public health, contributing significantly to the well-being of communities worldwide. Their achievements serve as a testament to the power of dedication and innovation in improving global health outcomes.