WHO Public Health Champion Award 2026: Nominations Open!
Recognizing public health leaders in South-East Asia. Nominate now!
Top Summary
- What happened: WHO South-East Asia is accepting nominations for its 2026 Public Health Champion Award.
- Why it matters: The award recognizes crucial contributions to public health and inspires further action.
- What changes: Awardees receive formal recognition at the Regional Committee Session.
- Who is affected: Public health professionals, academics, institutions in South-East Asia.
Recognizing Public Health Champions
The WHO South-East Asia Public Health Champion Award 2026 is now accepting nominations. It recognizes individuals and institutions making significant, lasting contributions to public health in the region.
The award highlights work that improves health outcomes, strengthens systems, and promotes equity. It focuses on leadership and impact, not funding.
Award Details and Benefits
Selected awardees will receive a formal citation at the WHO South-East Asia Regional Committee Session in September 2026.
Key facts:
- Organiser: WHO South-East Asia Region
- Award type: Non-monetary recognition (formal citation)
Eligibility Criteria
The award is open to both individuals and institutions. Eligible nominees must demonstrate measurable and sustained public health impact in the WHO South-East Asia Region.
Eligible individuals: Public health professionals, academics, activists, and other public health contributors.
Eligible institutions: Organizations, government bodies, research institutions, and health facilities.
Important Note: Self-nominations and nominations of WHO staff are not permitted.
Areas of Contribution
The award recognizes contributions in five major areas:
- Advocacy
- Capacity-building
- Health systems strengthening
- Innovation
- Community engagement
Nomination Requirements and Selection
Nominations must be supported by clear evidence of impact, including data, reports, and testimonials.
The screening committee, composed of senior WHO officials, will assess nominations based on:
- Demonstrated impact
- Sustainability of outcomes
- Innovation
- Equity considerations
- Compliance with WHO engagement frameworks
How to Nominate
Identify a deserving nominee with sustained public health impact.
Gather supporting evidence demonstrating measurable outcomes.
Submit the nomination following the official process.
Successful nominees will be informed by 31 July 2026.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake: Submitting without evidence.
Tip: Include strong documentation of impact and sustainability.
Mistake: Nominating someone without regional relevance.
Tip: Ensure the contribution is within the WHO South-East Asia Region.
This award matters because it highlights the people and institutions that have helped improve health across the WHO South-East Asia Region in lasting, measurable ways.
What to Watch Next
Stay tuned for the announcement of the awardees in July 2026. Further information regarding the Regional Committee Session in September 2026, where the citations will be presented, will be released closer to the date.