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WHO Director-General Presents Four Awards for Global Health Contributions
The World Health Organization recognized four individuals for lifetime achievements in immunization, disease elimination, emergency response and humanitarian care. The awards were presented during the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in Geneva.
May 18, 10:00 AM·1m read1 source
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WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus presented four awards at the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in Geneva. The recipients are Dr Tore Godal, Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis, Dr Mike Ryan and Dr Heba El Sewedy. The awards recognize lifetime contributions to global health.
Godal was recognized for leadership in immunization and infectious diseases. He helped establish Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Roll Back Malaria and CEPI. Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis was recognized for work that supported elimination of measles and rubella in the Americas.
Her efforts also advanced elimination of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis and HIV. Dr Mike Ryan was recognized for leadership in health emergency preparedness and response. He founded the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network and led responses to multiple outbreaks including COVID-19.
Dr Heba El Sewedy was recognized for humanitarian work through the Ahl Masr Foundation. The foundation provides medical and psychological support to burn victims and people affected by conflict.
Background on the Awards The Director-General’s Awards for Global Health were established in 2019. They recognize individuals whose leadership has produced measurable improvements in health outcomes. “I am honoured to present the Global Health Leaders Awards to four individuals who have made outstanding lifetime contributions to global health,” said Dr Tedros.
