Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
At the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in 2026, six individuals and institutions were recognized for outstanding contributions to global health beyond their regular duties. The awards were presented by Assembly President Dr. Víctor Elias Atallah Lajam and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, alongside representatives from foundations that have offered these prizes for over 40 years.
The 2026 laureates represent diverse backgrounds and initiatives focused on strengthening primary health care, reducing health inequities, and advancing health for all. Their work includes enhancing primary health care systems, advancing disease control, empowering communities, and expanding essential health services to vulnerable populations.
The Banconi Community Health Association (ASACOBA) in Mali received the Sasakawa Health Prize for its pioneering community-based primary health care efforts and empowering underserved populations through locally driven services.
Dr. Worawit Tontiwattanasap from Thailand received the United Arab Emirates Health Foundation Prize for improving access to health for rural, stateless, and cross-border communities through outreach, training, and policy advocacy.
Two awards recognized work in healthy ageing: Professor Bruno Vellas of France for developing innovative community-based care for older adults, and SingHealth from Singapore for integrated, cross-sectoral strategies supporting healthy ageing and age-friendly environments.
The Dr. LEE Jong-wook Memorial Prize for Public Health went to Professor Mohammad Abul Faiz of Bangladesh for his lifelong contributions, especially addressing diseases in rural and marginalized groups. The prize honors the legacy of Dr. LEE Jong-wook, WHO's sixth Director-General.
Dr. Amr Mohamed Kandeel from Egypt received the Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion for leadership in developing a resilient, prevention-centered public health system emphasizing disease control, digital innovation, and equity.