Health
THE World Health Organisation WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, on Monday presented the Global Health Leaders Awards to four individuals who had made outstanding lifetime contributions to global health.
Ghebreyesus, represented by Chef de Cabinet Dr Razia Pendse, presented the awards during the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in Geneva, recognising their lifetime achievements and exceptional contributions to improving the health and well-being of communities worldwide.
The first recipient was Dr Tore Godal of Norway.
He was recognised for being instrumental in establishing several groundbreaking global health and vaccine initiative like the Gavi, CEPI, the Global Fund, the Every Woman Every Child initiative, the Global Financing Facility, Roll Back Malaria, the Medicines for Malaria Venture among others.
“In the D-G’s own country Ethiopia, he conducted groundbreaking research on leprosy when he was director at the Armaur Hansen Research Institute, which still awards an annual prize in his name to young Ethiopian researchers.
“He brought his knowledge and experience to WHO as Director of the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, or TDR.
“In that role, he organised a clinical trial for a drug combination for leprosy that has now become the cornerstone of leprosy elimination efforts,” he said.
The second person honoured was Dr Heba El Sewedy of Egypt, who received the award for her dedication to humanitarian action and social justice.
Her commitment to health, dignity and social justice transformed the lives of thousands of people, especially the most vulnerable.
Through the Ahl Masr Foundation, which she founded in 2013, she pioneered comprehensive approaches to the prevention and treatment of trauma and burn injuries, while promoting awareness, dignity and the reintegration of survivors.
“From the early days of her humanitarian work, treating the wounded in Tahrir Square, she demonstrated courage, compassion and an unwavering dedication to patient care.
“Through her leadership, she has advanced a comprehensive model for burn care that goes beyond treatment to emphasise prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration.
“Her work supports survivors not only to recover physically, but to rebuild their lives with dignity, including through access to livelihoods and community inclusion,” he said.
According to Ghebreyesus, Sewedy’s approach shows that health is not only about saving lives, but about restoring hope and opportunity.
The third awardee was Dr Michael Ryan of Ireland, who had devoted his career to protecting people in the most difficult and dangerous circumstances, bringing science, leadership and humanity to the frontlines of global health emergencies.
“Ryan Mike possesses a rare combination of skills and experience from the clinic, the field and the board room.
“As the former Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, he guided the world through some of the most complex crises of our time, including COVID‑19, several Ebola outbreaks, and numerous humanitarian emergencies.
“Throughout the pandemic, Ryan combined decisive leadership, technical insight and authoritative communication.
“He was also instrumental in shaping many of the initiatives that WHO and Member States have put in place in response to COVID-19, including the WHO Pandemic Agreement.
“He has been and continues to be a powerful advocate for equity, country leadership, and for the dignity of every person affected by crisis,” he said.
The fourth awardee, Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis of the Bahamas, was honoured for her lifelong commitment in expanding immunisation and disease elimination in the Region of the Americas and beyond.
According to the WHO boss, the distinguished public health leader ‘s lifelong commitment to improving health has transformed lives across the Americas and beyond.
He said that through her outstanding leadership in disease elimination, she helped deliver some of the most significant public health achievements of our time.
Her contributions were instrumental in achieving the elimination of measles and rubella in the Americas—the first region in the world to reach 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.
“Her work, grounded in rigorous science and strong community engagement, has advanced equitable access to prevention and care.
“Dahl‑Regis played a pivotal role in leading the Americas to become the first region in the world to be declared free of measles and rubella, a landmark achievement that continues to save lives.
“She has consistently championed a holistic approach to health and development, recognising that strong communities are at the heart of sustainable progress,” he said.
According to him, her dedication, vision and integrity inspired generations of public health professionals NAN
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MAY. 18, 2026
Tags: Covid-19 Heba El Sewedy Merceline Dahl-Regis Razia Pendse Tedros Ghebreyesus WHO