By Bunmi Yekini
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday honoured six individuals and institutions for outstanding contributions to public health during the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly, recognising efforts ranging from strengthening rural healthcare access to promoting healthy ageing.
The awards were presented by World Health Assembly President Dr. Víctor Elias Atallah Lajam of the Dominican Republic alongside WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and representatives of foundations supporting the prizes.
WHO said the 2026 laureates were selected by its Executive Board in February for their work in advancing primary healthcare, reducing health inequities and improving access to essential services for vulnerable populations.
Among the recipients of the Sasakawa Health Prize was the Banconi Community Health Association (ASACOBA) of Mali, recognised for strengthening community-based primary healthcare and expanding services for underserved communities.
Thailand’s Dr. Worawit Tontiwattanasap received the United Arab Emirates Health Foundation Prize for improving healthcare access for rural, stateless and cross-border populations through outreach services, training and policy advocacy.
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 awarded jointly to France’s Professor Bruno Vellas and Singapore-based SingHealth.
WHO said Vellas was recognised for advancing community-based care approaches for older people, while SingHealth was honoured for its integrated and community-centred strategies promoting healthy ageing and age-friendly environments.
Bangladesh’s Professor Mohammad Abul Faiz received the Dr LEE Jong-wook Memorial Prize for Public Health for his contributions to tackling diseases affecting rural and marginalised populations.
Egypt’s Dr Amr Mohamed Kandeel was awarded the Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion for his leadership in building a prevention-oriented public health system that integrates disease control, digital innovation and equity.
WHO noted that this year marks 20 years since the death of former WHO Director-General Dr LEE Jong-wook, who died unexpectedly during the World Health Assembly in 2006.
The UN health agency said nearly 100 nominations were submitted for the 2026 awards from across its six regions, reflecting growing global engagement in recognising public health excellence.