A Call for Innovation in Global Health by Award-Winning Expert

May 26, 2025 - 11:17

“We don’t need faster horses, we need a new model of global health,” asserts Professor Helen Rees, the recent recipient of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2025 Dr. Lee Jong-wook Memorial Prize for Public Health. In her acceptance speech, Professor Rees emphasized the urgent need for innovative approaches to address the complex challenges facing global health systems today.

She highlighted that traditional methods are no longer sufficient in the face of emerging health threats, including pandemics and chronic diseases. Rees advocates for a paradigm shift that prioritizes collaboration, technology integration, and community engagement to create sustainable health solutions.

The professor also pointed out that equity in healthcare access remains a significant issue, calling for policies that ensure all populations benefit from advancements in health technology and resources. Her vision aims to inspire a collective effort among governments, organizations, and communities to rethink and reshape the future of global health.