• Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum and Peter Piot were awarded for lifelong commitment to health
During the high-level opening session of the 76th World Health Assembly, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus will present two prestigious lifetime achievement awards.
These awards, known as the Director-General’s Global Leaders Awards, were established in 2019 to honour individuals who have made remarkable contributions to advancing global health.
The recipients of this year’s awards are Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum and Peter Piot, both distinguished scientists and public health leaders who played significant roles in the discovery and management of Ebola virus disease before assuming leadership positions in the field of global health.
These awards recognize their outstanding lifetime achievements in the realm of public health.
Professor Muyembe-Tamfum, hailing from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), is being recognized for his innovative approaches, exceptional leadership, and groundbreaking contributions to the management and treatment of diseases like Ebola virus disease.
He has been instrumental in improving health outcomes not only in the DRC but also across the African region and the global community. Professor Muyembe-Tamfum holds the position of Director General at the DRC’s National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa, is a full Professor of Microbiology at the University of Kinshasa Medical School, and serves as the inaugural president of the Congolese Academy of Science.
Having been part of the team that discovered the Zaïre ebolavirus during its initial outbreak in 1976 in Equateur Province, Central DRC, Professor Muyembe-Tamfum subsequently contributed to the development of one of the first effective treatments against the virus and the deployment of experimental Ebola virus disease vaccines.
He has tirelessly worked to strengthen the scientific capacity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo by establishing multiple research facilities in the country and has played crucial roles in combating infectious diseases in collaboration with the WHO.
Professor Piot, a renowned figure from Belgium, is being honoured for his extraordinary leadership in responding to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and addressing other significant global health challenges.
He has played a vital role in launching major global health initiatives such as UNAIDS and the Global Fund, which have greatly improved health outcomes worldwide.
Under his guidance, UNAIDS became a leading advocate for global action against AIDS and facilitated UN reform by bringing together ten different UN organizations.
Additionally, Professor Piot made notable contributions to the earlier discovery of the Ebola virus and the containment efforts during the first known outbreak, actively participating in field epidemiological investigations.
He has chaired various high-level initiatives, held numerous advisory roles, including those related to COVID-19, and has been the recipient of multiple awards.
Professor Piot currently serves as the Special Advisor to the President of the European Commission, holds a professorship in Global Health, and previously served as the Director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
“These exceptional individuals exemplify lifelong dedication, unwavering advocacy, a commitment to equity, and selfless service to humanity and people’s health,” stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General.
“In a time of multiple emergencies, health crises, and conflicts, we recognize that leadership in public health and science is more important than ever for advancing global health. Our awardees today embody that passion.”
Dr. Tedros emphasized that the remarkable stories and accomplishments of Professor Muyembe-Tamfum and Professor Piot illustrate the progress the world has made in terms of collaboration at the global, regional, and national levels to strengthen health emergency preparedness, response, and resilience.
He expressed confidence that these exceptional scientists will continue to inspire and motivate us in our daily pursuits.
The awards ceremony will take place as part of the high-level opening session of the 76th World Health Assembly on May 21, 2023, in Geneva.
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