WHO honours four global health leaders for lifetime achievements
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recognises Dr Tore Godal, Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis, Dr Mike Ryan, and Dr Heba El Sewedy for their exceptional contributions to improving health outcomes worldwide.
The World Health Organization has recognised four distinguished leaders with its Award for Global Health, honouring their lifetime achievements in advancing public health on a global scale. The presentation took place at the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in Geneva, during the High-Level Welcome session held under the theme “Reshaping global health: a shared responsibility.”
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus presented the awards to Dr Tore Godal, Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis, Dr Mike Ryan, and Dr Heba El Sewedy. Established in 2019, the Director-General’s Awards for Global Health are designed to recognise individuals whose leadership and commitment have delivered tangible improvements in health outcomes around the world.
Dr Godal was recognised for his transformative leadership in immunisation and infectious diseases. Throughout his career, he played a pivotal role in elevating vaccines as a global development priority and helped establish major initiatives including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; Roll Back Malaria; and CEPI, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. He also led WHO’s Tropical Diseases Programme, expanding work on leprosy and malaria, and contributed to community-based ivermectin distribution efforts that protected large populations from river blindness.
Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis was honoured for her lifelong commitment to expanding immunisation and disease elimination in the Region of the Americas. Her contributions were instrumental in achieving the elimination of measles and rubella in the Americas, marking the first region globally to reach this milestone. Her advocacy also supported the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis and HIV in the region through the Dual Elimination Initiative.
Dr Mike Ryan was awarded for his leadership in strengthening global preparedness for and response to health emergencies. A founder of the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network, he helped shape international systems for detecting and responding to epidemics. As Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, he led operational responses to SARS, cholera, Ebola, polio, and COVID-19, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable communities during major outbreaks.
Dr Heba El Sewedy received the award for her dedication to humanitarian action and social justice. Through the Ahl Masr Foundation, which she founded in 2013, she has pioneered comprehensive approaches to the prevention and treatment of trauma and burn injuries. Her foundation has provided medical and psychological support to burn victims and delivered humanitarian aid to those affected by the Gaza conflict, serving as a model of compassionate, people-centred care.
The 2026 awardees reflect the diversity of approaches needed to achieve the highest possible level of health for all. From steering large-scale public health actions to leading scientific innovations and engaging with communities, their achievements serve as a source of inspiration for current and future generations working for a healthier, safer, and more equitable world.
