【Photo Diary】(4) Visit to Geneva for WHO Annual Conference
Published on June 18, 2025
I would like to share with you some of the photographs taken during my visit to Geneva to attend the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in my capacity as chairman of The Nippon Foundation and WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination. The WHA is WHO’s decision-making body.
[May 23, Geneva, Switzerland]
The award was given to Danish psychiatrist Dr. Merete Nordentoft in recognition of her work on suicide prevention in young people.
The prize was created by my late father, Ryoichi Sasakawa, in 1984 to recognize individuals and organizations engaging in innovative efforts to improve people’s health and achieve greater health equity through the promotion of primary health care.
From left, Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, Health Minister of the Philippines and Chair of the 78th World Health Assembly; Danish psychiatrist Dr. Merete Nordentoft, the 2025 winner of the Sasakawa Health Prize; WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus; and the author.
Dr. Nordentoft’s approach to suicide prevention and early intervention in psychosis, particularly among young people, has produced striking results. It has been implemented throughout Denmark and is considered a model for other countries.
The award highlights her science- and practice-based strategy for tackling the serious public health issue of suicide, which kills more than 700,000 people worldwide every year and is one of the leading causes of death among 15- to 29-year-olds.
In accepting the award, Dr. Nordentoft said: "It is a privilege to stand here today－not only for myself, but for the young people with psychosis, their families and the colleagues who have made this journey possible.” The award, she said, "gives voice to those young people－and reinforces that with the right support, early enough, recovery is not only possible－it is likely."
"This is the first time the prize has honored efforts in the field of mental health," I said: adding: "Dr. Nordentoft's work is a pioneering practice, as the WHO's suicide prevention initiative, LIVE LIFE, emphasizes the importance of strengthening support and prevention measures at the local level, as well as a primary health care approach."
(End)