On behalf of the UNU Rector Dr. Tshilidzi Marwala, the International Advisory Board, and myself, it is with heartfelt respect and admiration that we extend our warmest congratulations to Professor Awa Marie Coll Seck, on being conferred the WHO Director-General’s Award for Global Health.
Presented during the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly, the distinction not only honours Professor Coll Seck’s invaluable contributions to global health but also the clarity of purpose and integrity with which she has carried them out over decades.
Her landmark achievements in infectious disease prevention and immunisation, health systems strengthening, and the advancement of equitable, integrated care delivery models across the African continent, have left an indelible mark, both enriching the global health literature and informing the development of international strategies and national health architectures.
In her former role as Senegal’s Minister of Health, Professor Coll Seck spearheaded transformative national health sector campaigns and reforms that significantly expanded access to essential health services and institutionalised integrated disease control strategies. As Executive Director of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership, she demonstrated further leadership in galvanising global political commitment, aligning multi-sectoral partnerships, and accelerating the scale-up of malaria interventions in low-resource settings. Her continued service on the boards of leading international institutions, including PATH, AFRIVAC and UNU-IIGH, have further cemented her influence in shaping global health governance.
This award recognises a lifelong dedication to what Professor Coll Seck eloquently describes as “solidarity between peoples, science in the service of humanity, and the leadership of women in the health system.” These guiding principles not only define her legacy but will continue to inspire the next generation of health professionals, researchers, and policymakers.
We are thus honoured to celebrate Professor Coll Seck’s lifelong achievements and remain deeply grateful for her enduring contributions to our shared mission of advancing equitable and sustainable health systems globally.
With the highest esteem and most sincere congratulations,
Dr. Revati Phalkey (UNU-IIGH Director) on behalf of Dr. Tshilidzi Marwala (UNU Rector), UNU-IIGH's International Advisory Board (IAB) and it’s Chair Dr Flavia Bustreo.
