At the 78th World Health Assembly, six outstanding individuals and institutions were recognized for their contributions to public health. During a ceremony held on Friday, 23 May 2025, during the plenary session of the Assembly in Geneva, prestigious prizes were awarded to laureates from across the globe for their exceptional work in advancing and promoting public health.
The awards were presented by the President of the World Health Assembly, Dr Teodoro J. Herbosa, the WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and high representatives of the foundations that sponsor the prizes. In February 2025, the WHO Executive Board selected six laureates from four WHO regions – Africa, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, and the Western Pacific – who have made significant contributions to improving health in their countries, regions, and globally.
The United Arab Emirates Health Foundation Prize was awarded to Jožica Maučec Zakotnik
Jožica Maučec Zakotnik received the award for her outstanding contribution to health development, with a focus on promoting healthy lifestyles and equitable access to preventive health services. She co-developed an innovative model of free multidisciplinary health promotion centres and established the Centre for Health and Development Murska Sobota (2005), which became a WHO Collaborating Centre in 2009. Her work also includes the successful national rollout of programs on healthy nutrition, physical activity, and mental health.
“Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals – at home and beyond,” said Maučec Zakotnik upon receiving the award.
Other award recipients:
More information is available at the following link.
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