Healthcare workers on the front lines of patient care will be recognised at an award ceremony established by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
Leading medics will assess nominations for the awards, named Recognising Excellence Around Champions of Health (Reach).
Winners to be announced at the Reaching the Last Mile Forum in Abu Dhabi on November 19.
The forum is held every two years and brings global health leaders together to share insights about how to eradicate infectious diseases.
Judges will recognise stories of unsung achievement in global health and disease elimination, to increase the profile of the role played by frontline health workers.
“In many communities around the world, especially the most vulnerable and poor, frontline health workers are the only source of health care,” said Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, undersecretary of the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi.
“Through their efforts, millions of lives are saved and enhanced, strengthening families and societies.
“With gratitude for the efforts of these committed workers, as well as global health innovators and champions, we announce nominations are now open.”
The panel of judges include Professor Baron Peter Piot, director of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Louise Mushikiwabo, secretary-general of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie and Professor Lord Kakkar, professor of surgery at University College London.
Representatives from the World Health Organisation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will also oversee nominations.
Award categories include an unsung hero award, rising champion award, to celebrate individuals working towards disease elimination, and a lifetime achievement award.
More than a billion people around the world lack access to medical care due to weak healthcare systems and limited access to facilities and trained health workers.
Frontline health care workers play a critical role in reaching the most remote communities, often the last stronghold for preventable diseases.
“Often making heroic sacrifices, frontline health workers are leading the charge to eliminate the world’s most deadly and debilitating diseases,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organisation.
“Together with scientists, advocates and other innovators, these inspiring individuals are defending everyone’s right to attain the highest standard of health.”
Nominations can be made in three categories at www.reachingthelastmile.com and must be submitted by July 12, 2019.
