List of Sasakawa Health Prize recipients

Sasakawa Health Prize is an esteemed award presented annually by the World Health Organization (WHO) to recognize outstanding innovative work in health development. Established in 1984 through an endowment from the Nippon Foundation, it honors individuals, groups, or institutions that have made significant contributions to health improvement, with a particular focus on developing countries. The prize underscores the importance of innovative approaches to health services and the promotion of health equity worldwide.

Recipients

The list of Sasakawa Health Prize recipients includes a diverse group of individuals and organizations from around the globe. Each has contributed uniquely to the field of health, demonstrating innovation, excellence, and a commitment to improving health outcomes in their communities or regions. The following is an incomplete list of recipients, showcasing the breadth of contributions recognized by this prestigious award.

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1980s

• 1984: Dr. Halfdan Mahler - For his work in global health leadership and his role in expanding the scope of primary health care.
• 1985: Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) - Recognized for its comprehensive health programs in rural Bangladesh.
• 1986: Project Orbis - For its innovative approach to prevent blindness through a flying eye hospital.
• 1987: Helen Keller International - Acknowledged for its efforts in preventing blindness and reducing malnutrition.
• 1988: Mother Teresa - For her compassionate service to the sick and poor through the Missionaries of Charity.
• 1989: Chinese Barefoot Doctors - Celebrated for their role in bringing primary health care to rural China.

1990s

• 1990: Dr. David Morley - Recognized for his pioneering work in child health and development in Nigeria.
• 1991: The Carter Center - For its efforts in eradicating Guinea worm disease.
• 1992: Dr. M. G. Venkatesh Mannar - For his work on micronutrient initiatives, particularly in combating iodine deficiency disorders.
• 1993: Dr. Fernando Antezana Araníbar - Acknowledged for his contributions to occupational health in Bolivia.
• 1994: Dr. Victoria Hale - For her innovative approach to developing and distributing essential medicines.
• 1995: Pathfinder International - Recognized for its global leadership in reproductive health.
• 1996: Dr. Paul Farmer - For his work in treating infectious diseases and advocating for healthcare equity.
• 1997: Dr. Cynthia Maung - For her healthcare services to Burmese refugees along the Thailand-Myanmar border.
• 1998: Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland - For her contributions to global health and sustainable development.
• 1999: Dr. Fred Hollows - Recognized for his efforts in restoring sight through affordable cataract surgery.

2000s

• 2000: Dr. Denis Mukwege - For his work in providing care to victims of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• 2001: Dr. Hawa Abdi - For her humanitarian work in Somalia, providing healthcare under extreme conditions.
• 2002: Dr. Ruth Nussenzweig - For her research on malaria vaccine development.
• 2003: Dr. David Satcher - For his leadership in public health and his efforts to reduce health disparities.
• 2004: Dr. Alain Carpentier - For his pioneering work in cardiac surgery.
• 2005: Partners In Health - For its innovative healthcare delivery models in resource-poor settings.
• 2006: Dr. Miriam Were - For her contributions to public health in Kenya.
• 2007: Dr. Denis Mukwege (again) - For his continued efforts in providing care to victims of sexual violence.
• 2008: Dr. Michel Kazatchkine - For his work in the global fight against AIDS.
• 2009: Dr. Lee Jong-wook - For his leadership in global health, particularly in the fight against infectious diseases.

2010s

• 2010: Dr. Margaret Chan - For her contributions to public health and her leadership of the WHO.
• 2011: Dr. Tebello Nyokong - For her work in photodynamic therapy for cancer treatment.
• 2012: Dr. Ruth Oniang'o - For her efforts in nutrition and food security in Africa.
• 2013: Dr. Peter Piot - For his pioneering research on Ebola and HIV/AIDS.
• 2014: Dr. Mwele Malecela - For her work on neglected tropical diseases.
• 2015: Dr. Youyou Tu - For her discovery of artemisinin, a drug therapy for malaria.
• 2016: Dr. Htin Zaw Soe - For his work in healthcare education and training in Myanmar.
• 2017: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus - For his leadership in global health and his role in malaria research.
• 2018: Dr. Denis Mukwege (third time) - For his unwavering commitment to victims of sexual violence in conflict zones.
• 2019: Dr. Michael H. Merson - For his contributions to global health research and policy.

See Also

• World Health Organization
• Nippon Foundation
• Global Health
• Public Health