The World Health Organisation (WHO) has honoured four distinguished individuals for their exceptional lifetime contributions to global health and humanitarian service at the Global Health Leaders Awards held during the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in Geneva.
WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, presented the awards on Monday through his representative and Chef de Cabinet, Dr Razia Pendse.
The organisation said the awards recognised individuals whose work had significantly improved health outcomes and transformed lives across different parts of the world.
Among the recipients was Norwegian physician, Dr Tore Godal, who was recognised for his pioneering role in establishing major global health and vaccine initiatives.
The initiatives included Gavi, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the Global Fund, Roll Back Malaria, Medicines for Malaria Venture, the Every Woman Every Child initiative and the Global Financing Facility.
Speaking on Godal’s achievements, Ghebreyesus said the Norwegian scientist also made remarkable contributions to leprosy research in Ethiopia while serving as Director at the Armauer Hansen Research Institute.
“In the D-G’s own country Ethiopia, he conducted groundbreaking research on leprosy when he was director at the Armauer Hansen Research Institute, which still awards an annual prize in his name to young Ethiopian researchers,” he said.
The WHO chief added that Godal later brought his expertise to the organisation as Director of the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), where he helped organise a clinical trial for a drug combination that became central to global leprosy elimination efforts.
Another recipient, Dr Heba El Sewedy of Egypt, was honoured for her dedication to humanitarian service, social justice and support for vulnerable populations.
Through the Ahl Masr Foundation, established in 2013, El Sewedy developed programmes focused on the prevention and treatment of trauma and burn injuries while also supporting rehabilitation and reintegration of survivors.
According to Ghebreyesus, her humanitarian efforts began during the unrest in Tahrir Square, where she provided care for wounded persons.
“Through her leadership, she has advanced a comprehensive model for burn care that goes beyond treatment to emphasise prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration,” he said.
He noted that her work had helped survivors rebuild their lives through access to livelihoods, dignity and community support.
The third award recipient was Irish public health expert, Dr Michael Ryan, recognised for his leadership in responding to major global health emergencies.
Ryan, a former Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, played a central role during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ebola outbreaks and several humanitarian crises around the world.
“Ryan possesses a rare combination of skills and experience from the clinic, the field and the board room,” Ghebreyesus stated.
He credited Ryan with providing decisive leadership, technical expertise and strong communication during some of the world’s most difficult public health emergencies.
The WHO Director-General also noted that Ryan contributed significantly to several international initiatives developed 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 added.
The fourth honouree, Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis of the Bahamas, was celebrated for her contributions to immunisation, disease prevention and elimination efforts across the Americas.
WHO said Dahl-Regis played a major role in helping the Americas become the first region in the world to eliminate measles and rubella.
She was also recognised for supporting the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis through the regional Dual Elimination Initiative.
“Her work, grounded in rigorous science and strong community engagement, has advanced equitable access to prevention and care,” Ghebreyesus said.
He described her achievements as landmark contributions that had continued to save lives and inspire generations of public health professionals.
According to the WHO chief, Dahl-Regis consistently promoted a holistic approach to health and development, emphasising the importance of strong and resilient communities in achieving sustainable progress.
