Public health accolades
At the World Health Assembly today, six recipients from various parts of the globe were honored with awards for their exceptional contributions to public health. The 2026 prizes acknowledge the noteworthy commitment of these professionals and organizations to improving primary health care, diminishing disparities, and advancing the objective of health for all.
The awards were handed out by the Assembly’s President, Dr. Víctor Elias Atallah Lajam of the Dominican Republic, in conjunction with senior representatives of the foundations that created these public health recognitions and prizes, as well as the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Further details on the award winners
Delegates approve measure on health emergency in Ukraine
The Assembly delegates today acknowledged a report from the Director-General concerning the humanitarian and emergency health response in Ukraine, along with WHO’s ongoing assistance to the country’s emergency health efforts.
In light of the report, delegates endorsed a decision calling for the continued execution of the existing resolution WHA75.11 regarding the health emergency in Ukraine, with a progress update to be presented to the World Health Assembly in 2027.
Assembly highlights integrated approach to NCDs and mental health
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health issues persist as the primary causes of illness and early death worldwide, fueled by common social, commercial, and environmental influences. However, numerous health systems remain disjointed and poorly prepared to handle multiple illnesses, aging populations, and growing inequalities.
During a WHO Strategic Roundtable, ministers, policymakers, collaborators, and individuals with direct experience explored how systems can more effectively adapt to shifting difficulties.
Attendees highlighted the necessity of transitioning from disease-focused methods to integrated, people-centered systems that tackle risk factors, enhance social ties, and involve communities. They also underscored financing and fiscal measures—such as taxes, incentives, and reforms—as essential instruments to address both risk factors and broader health influences.
This conversation follows the 2025 Political Declarations on NCDs and mental health, which reaffirmed global commitments to coordinated, multi-sectoral actions spanning prevention, treatment, and care.
Additional information and video