The 39th World Health Organization (WHO) Sasakawa Health Prize Award Ceremony
It is my great pleasure to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the recipients of the 39th Sasakawa Health Prize. I would also like to express my gratitude to Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom, the Selection Panel and all who have made this award ceremony possible.
The Declaration of Alma-Ata of 1978 stipulates health as one of the basic human rights and that promotion of primary health care is the key to achieving “Health for All”. My late father, Ryoichi Sasakawa, immediately took action and established the Sasakawa Health Prize to commend individuals and institutions for their notable contribution to the promotion of primary health care.
This year, the Sasakawa Health Prize award goes to Professor Vichai Tienthavorn and Nick Simons Institute from Thailand and Nepal respectively. Professor Vichai Tienthavorn is well known for his study and treatment of thalassemia and for the prevention and control of diabetes and hypertension. He has also made outstanding contributions to the establishment of local medical system in Thailand including the development of training programs for medical professionals and the local health workforce.
Nick Simons Institute whose mission is to enhance rural healthcare in Nepal through innovative medical services and solution to health problems. These goals are fortified by a range of enabling tools such as “minimum service standard” or MSS necessary for the self-evaluation of local hospital management, “electronic medical record system” or EMRs for the enhancement of rural medical service and patient health care and training and education of competent health care workers.
I now present this prize with my deep respect to the outstanding work of both recipients and my desire that they will continue to work as pioneers in further advancement of primary health care. Once again, congratulations!
