WHO Director-General's remarks at the Global Health Leaders Awards – 18 May 2026

Excellencies, Honourable Ministers, Mr President, dear colleagues and friends,

On behalf of the Director-General, I am honoured to present the Global Health Leaders Awards to four individuals who have made outstanding lifetime contributions to global health.

First, Dr Tore Godal of Norway.

Dr Godal's contribution to global health is immense.

He was instrumental in establishing numerous global health initiatives, including Gavi, CEPI, the Global Fund, the Every Woman Every Child initiative, the Global Financing Facility, Roll Back Malaria, the Medicines for Malaria Venture and others.

In DG's own country Ethiopia, he conducted groundbreaking research on leprosy when he was director at the Armaur Hansen Research Institute, which still awards an annual prize in his name to young Ethiopian researchers.

He brought his knowledge and experience to WHO as Director of the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, or TDR.

In that role, he organized a clinical trial for a drug combination for leprosy that has now become the cornerstone of leprosy elimination efforts.

He also organized a huge clinical trial of insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets, which led to a change in WHO's strategy that has saved millions of lives.

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Now it's my honour to invite Dr Heba El Sewedy of Egypt.

Dr Heba El Sewedy is a visionary leader whose commitment to health, dignity and social justice has transformed the lives of thousands of people, especially the most vulnerable.

From the early days of her humanitarian work, treating the wounded in Tahrir Square, she demonstrated courage, compassion and an unwavering dedication to patient care.

Through her leadership, she has advanced a comprehensive model for burn care that goes beyond treatment to emphasise prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration.

Her work supports survivors not only to recover physically, but to rebuild their lives with dignity, including through access to livelihoods and community inclusion.

Dr El Sewedy's approach shows that health is not only about saving lives, but about restoring hope and opportunity.

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Now it's my honour to invite the third awardee, Dr Michael J. Ryan of Ireland.

Dr Ryan has devoted his career to protecting people in the most difficult and dangerous circumstances, bringing science, leadership and humanity to the frontlines of global health emergencies.

Mike possesses a rare combination of skills and experience from the clinic, the field and the board room.

As the former Executive Director of WHO's Health Emergencies Programme, he guided the world through some of the most complex crises of our time, including COVID-19, several Ebola outbreaks, and numerous humanitarian emergencies.

Throughout the pandemic, Mike combined decisive leadership, technical insight and authoritative communication.

He was also instrumental in shaping many of the initiatives that WHO and Member States have put in place 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.

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Our last awaredee today is Dr Merceline Dhal-Regis of the Bahamas.

Dr Dahl-Regis is a distinguished public health leader whose lifelong commitment to improving health has transformed lives across the Americas and beyond.

Through her outstanding leadership in disease elimination, she has helped deliver some of the most significant public health achievements of our time.

Her work, grounded in rigorous science and strong community engagement, has advanced equitable access to prevention and care.

Dr Dahl-Regis played a pivotal role in leading the Americas to become the first region in the world to be declared free of measles and rubella - a landmark achievement that continues to save lives.

She has consistently championed a holistic approach to health and development, recognizing that strong communities are at the heart of sustainable progress.

Her dedication, vision and integrity have inspired generations of public health professionals.

I offer my gratitude and congratulations to all four awardees, and I invite them forward to receive their awards, and address the Health Assembly.