The 79th World Health Assembly honors world champions in improving primary health care

Today, the World Health Assembly recognized individuals and institutions whose contributions to global health have gone far beyond the call of duty. Six laureates representing different backgrounds and contexts were honored by the President of the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly, Dr. Víctor Elias Atallah Lajam of the Dominican Republic, together with representatives of the foundations that have awarded these awards over the past 40 years, and the Director-General of the WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

The 2026 awards celebrate the exceptional commitment of the six honorees to improving primary health care, reducing inequality and bringing the goal of health for all closer to reality. Elected by the WHO Executive Board in February 2026, the 2026 laureates reflect a shared commitment to improving health outcomes through scientific excellence, innovation and community outreach. Their work ranges from strengthening primary health care systems and improving disease control to empowering communities and expanding access to basic services for the most vulnerable populations.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the death of Dr. LEE Jong-wook, the sixth Director-General of the WHO, who died unexpectedly during the World Health Assembly in 2006. One of the awards presented today, the Dr. LEE Jong-wook Memorial Award for Public Health, honors his legacy and lasting contribution to global health.

Winners of the 2026 Public Health Awards

Sasakawa Health Award

• Banconi Community Health Association (ASACOBA), Mali
  Recognized for its pioneering role in strengthening primary health care in the community and empowering underserved populations through local health services.

United Arab Emirates Health Foundation Award

• Dr. Worawit Tontiwattanasap, Thailand
  Recognized for transforming access to health services for rural, stateless and cross-border populations through outreach services, training and policy advocacy.

State of Kuwait Health Promotion Foundation His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Award for Promoting Healthy Aging

• Professor Bruno Vellas, France
  Recognized for advancing and developing innovative approaches to community-based elder care.
• SingHealth, Singapore
  Recognized for its integrated, cross-sectoral and community-based strategies that support healthy aging and age-friendly environments.

Dr LEE Jong-wook Memorial Award for Public Health

• Professor Mohammad Abul Faiz, Bangladesh
  Recognized for his lifelong contribution to public health, particularly in addressing diseases affecting rural, poor and marginalized populations.

Nelson Mandela Health Promotion Award

• Dr. Amr Mohamed Kandeel, Egypt
  Recognized for his leadership in building a resilient, prevention-focused public health system that integrates disease control, digital innovation and equity.

About WHO awards and prizes for public health

Every year, during the World Health Assembly, public health awards and recognitions are given to individuals and institutions from around the world for their outstanding contribution to public health.

The Public Health Foundation Awards are presented following nominations submitted by WHO Member States and past laureates. Selection committees composed of representatives of awarding foundations and members of the World Health Organization’s Executive Board review candidates and make recommendations. The WHO Executive Committee nominates the winners each year, and the awards are presented at the plenary session of the World Health Assembly.

Over the past 15 years, more than 80 laureates from more than 50 WHO member countries have received public health awards. In 2026, almost 100 nominations were submitted from all six WHO regions, reflecting a significant increase in global engagement in recognizing excellence in public health.

ABOUT WHO

Committed to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and supports global efforts to give everyone, everywhere, an equal opportunity to live a safe and healthy life.

We are the UN health agency that connects nations, partners and people on the front lines in more than 150 locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health problems and expanding access to medicines and healthcare. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.

“Together for health. Let’s stand by science”, is the theme World Health Day 2026 marks a year-long campaign to highlight science as the foundation for protecting health and well-being around the world.