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Nominations open for WHO Public Health Champion Award

Deadline: 30-Jun-2026

The WHO South-East Asia Public Health Champion Award 2026 recognizes exceptional individuals and institutions that have made significant and lasting contributions to public health in the Region. The award highlights work that improves health outcomes, strengthens systems, and advances equity across WHO South-East Asia Member States.

This recognition is intended to honour leadership and impact rather than provide funding. Selected awardees will receive a formal citation during the WHO South-East Asia Regional Committee Session in September 2026.

Key facts

  • Organiser: WHO South-East Asia Region.

  • Award type: Non-monetary recognition.

  • Recognition: Formal citation.

  • Presentation time: Regional Committee Session in September 2026.

  • Notification timeline: Successful nominees are expected to be informed by 31 July 2026.

  • Eligibility: Individuals and institutions with measurable and sustained public health impact in the WHO South-East Asia Region.

  • Self-nominations: Not permitted.

  • WHO staff: Not eligible.

What the award recognizes

The award is designed to honour contributions in five major areas:

Advocacy

Work that influences public health action, policy, or programme changes.

Capacity-building

Efforts that strengthen health system capacity and improve public health performance.

Health systems strengthening

Actions that improve access, quality of care, efficiency, and resilience in health systems.

Innovation

Development or scaling of affordable and effective public health solutions.

Community engagement

Initiatives that empower communities and support healthier behaviours.

Who is eligible?

The award is open to both individuals and institutions.

Eligible individuals

  • Public health professionals.

  • Academics.

  • Activists.

  • Other public health contributors.

Eligible institutions

  • Organizations.

  • Government bodies.

  • Research institutions.

  • Health facilities.

Nominations must show evidence of measurable and sustained contributions within the WHO South-East Asia Region.

What evidence is needed

Nominations should be supported by clear evidence of impact. This may include:

  • Data.

  • Reports.

  • Publications.

  • Evaluations.

  • Testimonials.

  • Other documentation that shows sustained public health gains.

The stronger the evidence of real outcomes, the more competitive the nomination is likely to be.

Selection process

Nominations are reviewed by a screening committee composed of senior WHO officials. Selection is based on:

  • Demonstrated impact.

  • Sustainability of outcomes.

  • Innovation.

  • Equity considerations.

  • Compliance with relevant WHO engagement frameworks.

This means the award looks for work that is not only effective, but also fair, durable, and aligned with WHO standards.

How the nomination process works

  1. Identify a deserving nominee.

    • The nominee must be an individual or institution with sustained public health impact in the region.

  2. Gather supporting evidence.

    • Prepare documentation showing measurable outcomes and long-term contribution.

  3. Confirm eligibility.

    • Self-nominations are not allowed, and WHO staff are not eligible.

  4. Submit the nomination.

    • The nomination should follow the official process and include all required evidence.

  5. Await review.

    • A WHO screening committee will assess the submission.

  6. Watch for notification.

    • Successful nominees are expected to be informed by 31 July 2026.

Why it matters

Public health progress often depends on long-term leadership, advocacy, and systems strengthening. 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.

It also matters because recognition can help elevate effective models, encourage replication, and inspire others to invest in public health, equity, and community engagement.

Common mistakes and tips

  • Mistake: Submitting without evidence.

    • Tip: Include strong documentation of impact and sustainability.

  • Mistake: Nominating someone without regional relevance.

    • Tip: The contribution must be within the WHO South-East Asia Region.

  • Mistake: Trying to self-nominate.

    • Tip: Self-nominations are not allowed.

  • Mistake: Focusing only on activity, not outcomes.

    • Tip: Show measurable public health gains.

  • Mistake: Ignoring equity and sustainability.

    • Tip: Explain how the work benefits vulnerable groups and lasts over time.

FAQ

What is the WHO South-East Asia Public Health Champion Award?

  • It is a recognition award for individuals and institutions that have made significant and sustained contributions to public health in the WHO South-East Asia Region.

  • It is intended to honour impact, leadership, and lasting outcomes.

Is the award monetary?

  • No.

  • It is a non-monetary award consisting of a formal citation.

Who can be nominated?

  • Individuals such as public health professionals, academics, activists, and other contributors.

  • Institutions such as organizations, government bodies, research institutions, and health facilities.

Can people nominate themselves?

  • No.

  • Self-nominations are not permitted.

Are WHO staff members eligible?

  • No.

  • WHO staff members are not eligible for nomination.

What are the main selection criteria?

  • Impact.

  • Sustainability.

  • Innovation.

  • Equity.

  • Alignment with WHO engagement frameworks.

When will awardees be announced?

  • Successful nominees are expected to be informed by 31 July 2026.

  • The citation will be presented during the WHO South-East Asia Regional Committee Session in September 2026.

Conclusion

The WHO South-East Asia Public Health Champion Award 2026 is a regional recognition for people and institutions whose work has produced lasting public health gains. The strongest nominations will clearly document impact, sustainability, innovation, and equity in public health across the Region.

For more information, visit WHO.