CEO presents Global Health Award to four distinguished leaders

At the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in Geneva, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus presented four distinguished leaders with the Global Health Prize, recognizing their lifetime achievements and outstanding contributions to improving the health and well-being of communities around the world.

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 CEO Awards for Global Health recognize individuals whose leadership and commitment have led to tangible improvements in health outcomes around the world.

“I am honored to present the Global Health Leaders Awards to four individuals who have made an outstanding lifetime contribution to global health,” said Dr. Tedros.

Dr. Tore Godal he was recognized for his transformative leadership in immunization and infectious diseases. During his distinguished career, he played a key 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 Innovation in Epidemic Preparedness. He also played a key role in the fight against neglected diseases as he led the World Health Organization’s Tropical Diseases Program and expanded work on leprosy and malaria. He helped expand community distribution of ivermectin and onchocerciasis control efforts, helping to protect a large population from river blindness. Dr. Godal’s work translated scientific research into large-scale public health action, protecting millions of lives.

Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis she was recognized for her lifelong commitment to the spread of immunization and disease elimination in the Americas region and beyond. Her contribution was instrumental in achieving the elimination of measles and rubella in the Americas – the first region in the world to achieve 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 has had a profound impact on the lives of many people in America and globally.

Dr. Mike Ryan was awarded for his leadership in strengthening global preparedness and response to health emergencies. Founder of the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), he shaped international outbreak detection and response systems and – while serving as Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Program – led operational responses to SARS, cholera, Ebola, polio and COVID-19. His leadership during major epidemics 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 an award for her commitment to humanitarian action and social justice. Through the Ahl Masr Foundation, which she founded in 2013, she introduced comprehensive approaches to the prevention and treatment of trauma and burns, while promoting awareness, dignity and reintegration of survivors. The Dr. Heba Elsewedy Foundation has been instrumental in providing medical and psychological support to burn victims, as well as humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict in Gaza. Her work has changed lives and is a model of compassionate, people-centered care and a source of inspiration for many young public health advocates.

From managing major public health actions to leading scientific innovation, community engagement and protecting people from emergencies and infectious diseases, the 2026 award winners 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 fairer world for all.