WHO Awards Four Global Health Leaders at World Health Assembly
The Story
At the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in Geneva, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus presented the Award for Global Health to four distinguished leaders, recognizing their lifetime achievements in improving community health worldwide. The award ceremony took place during the High-Level Welcome of the assembly, held under the theme “Reshaping global health: a shared responsibility.” Established in 2019, the Director-General’s Awards for Global Health honor individuals whose leadership has delivered tangible health improvements. Dr Tedros stated he was honored to present the awards to four individuals with outstanding lifetime contributions. The 2026 laureates are Dr Tore Godal, Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis, Dr Mike Ryan, and Dr Heba Elsewedy. Each awardee was recognized for distinct contributions ranging from immunization and disease elimination to emergency preparedness and humanitarian care. The laureates reflect the diversity of approaches needed to achieve the highest possible level of health for all.
Key Facts
- WHO Director-General Dr Tedros presented the Award for Global Health to four leaders at the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in Geneva.
- The award was established in 2019.
- The 2026 laureates are Dr Tore Godal, Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis, Dr Mike Ryan, and Dr Heba Elsewedy.
- Dr Godal was recognized for transformative leadership in immunization and infectious diseases, including roles in Gavi, Roll Back Malaria, and CEPI.
- Dr Dahl-Regis was recognized for expanding immunization and disease elimination, contributing to the elimination of measles and rubella in the Americas and the Dual Elimination Initiative.
- Dr Ryan was honored for leadership in strengthening global health emergency preparedness and response, including founding GOARN and leading WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme.
- Dr Elsewedy received the award for humanitarian action and social justice through the Ahl Masr Foundation, providing trauma care for burn victims and aid during the Gaza conflict.
- The ceremony was held during the High-Level Welcome under the theme “Reshaping global health: a shared responsibility.”
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
No open questions identified in the source article.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General
- Dr Tore Godal, award recipient
- Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis, award recipient
- Dr Mike Ryan, award recipient
- Dr Heba Elsewedy, award recipient
Sources: World Health Organization
