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, honoring their lifelong accomplishments and outstanding contributions to enhancing the health and well-being of populations worldwide.
This year's recipients are Dr Tore Godal, Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis, Dr Mike Ryan, and Dr Heba El Sewedy. They were recognized during the High-Level Welcome of the World Health Assembly (WHA), held under the theme "Reshaping global health: a shared responsibility."
Introduced in 2019, the Director-General’s Awards for Global Health acknowledge individuals whose leadership and dedication have produced measurable improvements in health outcomes across the globe.
"I am honored to present the Global Health Leaders Awards to four individuals who have made outstanding lifetime contributions to global health," stated Dr Tedros.
Dr Tore Godal was acknowledged for his groundbreaking leadership in immunization and infectious diseases. Over his distinguished career, he was instrumental in raising vaccines to a global development priority and helped establish key initiatives such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Roll Back Malaria, and CEPI, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. He also played a crucial role in combating neglected diseases while leading WHO’s Tropical Diseases Programme and expanding efforts on leprosy and malaria. He contributed to broadening community-based ivermectin distribution and onchocerciasis control initiatives, which helped shield large populations from river blindness. Dr Godal's work has converted scientific research into large-scale public health action, safeguarding millions of lives.
Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis was recognized for her enduring dedication to expanding immunization and disease elimination in the Region of the Americas and beyond. Her efforts were key to achieving the elimination of measles and rubella in the Americas—the first region globally to reach this milestone. Her advocacy and support for the regional Dual Elimination Initiative also facilitated the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis and HIV in the Americas. Through research, community involvement, and regional collaboration, she has promoted a holistic approach to health and development, profoundly impacting the lives of many in the Americas and around the world.
Dr Mike Ryan was honored for his leadership in strengthening global readiness for and response to health emergencies. As a founder of the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), he has influenced international systems for detecting and responding to epidemics, and—while serving as the Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme—led operational responses to SARS, cholera, Ebola, polio, and COVID-19. His leadership during major outbreaks and humanitarian crises in some of the most challenging environments has shown an unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable communities and advancing global health security.
Dr Heba Elsewedy received the award for her commitment to humanitarian action and social justice. Through the Ahl Masr Foundation, which she founded in 2013, she has pioneered comprehensive methods for preventing and treating trauma and burn injuries, while promoting awareness, dignity, and the reintegration of survivors. Dr Heba Elsewedy's foundation has been crucial in providing medical and psychological support to burn victims, as well as humanitarian aid to those impacted by the Gaza conflict. Her work has transformed lives and serves as a model of compassionate, people-centered care, inspiring many young public health advocates.
From directing large-scale public health actions to leading scientific innovations, engaging with communities, and protecting people from emergencies and infectious diseases, the 2026 awardees reflect the range of approaches needed to achieve the highest possible level of health for all. Their accomplishments serve as an inspiration for current and future generations striving for a healthier, safer, and more equitable world for everyone.