WFPHA Awards 2023

News

May 4, 2023

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) recognizes outstanding contributions to public health through its annual awards program. The program aims to acknowledge and honor individuals and organizations that have made significant achievements in promoting health, preventing diseases and injuries, and ensuring safe and healthy conditions for people around the world.

This year, the WFPHA presents a series of awards during the 17th World Congress on Public Health (WCPH), held in Rome, Italy, on May 02 to 06, 2023.

The Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Global Health is presented to Prof. Ulrich Laaser. He is a renowned public health professional who has made extraordinary contributions to the WFPHA in improving global health, including its member organizations. Prof. Laaser has spent his career advocating for health equity, social justice, and the rights of marginalized communities worldwide. His pioneering work has left a significant impact on the public health community, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of public health professionals.

The Organizational Excellence Award is presented to Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) for their remarkable work in delivering healthcare services in crisis-stricken regions. This non-governmental organization has provided medical assistance to millions of people in more than 70 countries around the world. Their unwavering commitment to promoting health and preventing diseases has helped save countless lives. The award is presented to Dr Monica Minardi, President of Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) Italy.

The Organizational Excellence Award recognizes outstanding contributions to public health by a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) or institution/entity working to promote health, to prevent disease and injury, and to ensure conditions in which people can be safe and healthy.

The Center of Data and Knowledge Integration for Health (Cidacs) is the recipient of the Information and Data Distribution Award. This organization has done extensive work in collecting, organizing, and distributing data and information about pandemics, national disasters, and health emergencies on a large scale. Their efforts have significantly contributed to the understanding of public health crises and provided critical information for effective public health interventions. The award is presented to Prof. Mauricio Barreto, Founder and Director of the Center of Data and Knowledge Integration for Health.

The Refugee and Immigrant Global Health Equity Award is presented to the population of Lampedusa. This island in the Mediterranean has prioritized and developed a plan for refugees and immigrants from major world crises. The population of Lampedusa has shown exceptional commitment to ensuring that refugees and immigrants receive the necessary health services and support. Lampedusa Mayor Filippo Mannino receives the award. 

One Health Commission is the recipient of the Climate and Health Action Award. This organization has done remarkable work in addressing the presence of climate change as an imminent public health threat. Dr Annapaola Rizzoli from the Research and Innovation Center of the Edmund Mach Foundation, the first One Health center in Italy, gets the award.

The recipients of this year’s awards have made significant contributions to promoting health, preventing diseases and injuries, and ensuring safe and healthy conditions for people worldwide. Their work is a testament to the power of public health and serves as an inspiration to all of us to continue working towards a healthier world.