Dr Suwit Wibulpolprasert, an adviser to the Office of Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health, has been recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) for his contributions to public health.
Dr Suwit was told on April 7 that he’d won WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia’s 2023 Award for Heroes of Public Health, WHO and the Foreign Affairs Ministry said yesterday.
WHO said Dr Suwit made exceptional contributions to establishing strong and modern public health systems in Thailand, they said.
The annual award aims to honour outstanding individuals who contribute to advancing and improving health and well-being in Southeast Asia.
Dr Suwit is a public health specialist, administrator and policy advocate nationally and globally. He began his career as a director and practitioner in rural areas.
He has had technical and administrative experience in many public health organisations, such as the Food and Drug Administration, the Bureau of Health Policy and Plan, the Department of Disease Control, and the International Health Policy Foundation.
His work in public health spans over three decades, from the grassroots to the highest levels of policy-making. He is also recognised for advocating for the less well-off sectors of society.
Dr Suwit has long advocated for equitable, inclusive and fair health systems through strengthening primary health care. He has published over 100 papers, reports and books locally and internationally.
Dr G Nageswara Rao, founder-chair of the LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) and paediatrician Dr Virna Maria Gusmao dos Reis Martins-Sam were also awarded by WHO.