The 40th World Health Organization (WHO) Sasakawa Health Prize Award Ceremony
Distinguished participants. It is my greatest honor and pleasure to congratulate this year’s recipient of the Sasakawa Health Prize, Dr. Doreen Ramogola Mashire of the University of Botswana. Also, as we mark the 40 milestone of the Sasakawa Health Prize, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to WHO Director General Dr. Tedros, members of the selection committee and all who have supported this Health Prize over the years.
As you are aware, the Sasakawa Health Prize was established by my late father, Ryoichi Sasakawa. He highly valued the importance of primary healthcare, as endorsed in the Declaration of Alma Ata which emphasizes the critical role of primary healthcare as the key to achieving good health. I fully recognize the importance of the spirit of the Declaration of Alma Ata, as primary healthcare contributes to quote “the promotion and protection of the health of the people which is essential to sustained economic and social development and contributes to a better quality of life and to world peace,” unquote.
Dr. Doreen Ramogola Mashire has been unanimously selected for her role in the development and implementation of Botswana’s prevention of cervical cancer strategy involving the entire community and traditional leaders. We highly honor the work of Dr. Mashire for her embodiment of primary healthcare through her invaluable and versatile activities. Dr. Mashire, we now present you this award wishing you continued success and as the vanguard of primary healthcare. Congratulations!