Dr Nittaya Phanuphak of Thailand, Dr K. Suresh Kumar of India, and Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) have been selected as recipients of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Award 2026 for Public Health Champions. The award recognizes Dr Nittaya for pioneering innovative and equitable HIV prevention and service delivery models that have influenced policy and practice across the Asia-Pacific region; Dr Kumar for pioneering a community-owned model that has transformed community-based palliative care across multiple countries; and NNJS for restoring sight to millions through equitable, people-centred eye-care services that have significantly reduced avoidable blindness in Nepal. Congratulating the recipients of the award, Dr Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia, said: “They have demonstrated how innovation, equity and community engagement can transform health outcomes and improve lives. Their leadership has inspired innovations that have shaped policy, strengthened health systems and expanded access to quality health services, showing how locally driven solutions can deliver lasting public health impact across the Region and beyond. Their achievements exemplify the transformative power of innovation, equity and community action to improve health and well-being for all.”Read More
