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Dr. Suwit Wibulpolprasert, adviser to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health in Thailand, has received the 2023 Award for Heroes of Public Health from the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for South-East Asia. The award ceremony was held on April 5, 2023, and the laureate was represented by H.E. Pattarat Hongtong, Ambassador of Thailand to India.
The WHO recognized Dr. Suwit for his outstanding contributions to the development of advanced public health systems in Thailand. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Dr. Suwit has worked in various public health organizations for over three decades, starting from grassroots level to the highest levels of policymaking. He has worked in the Food and Drug Administration, the Bureau of Policy and Strategy, the Department of Disease Control, and the International Health Policy Foundation. Dr. Suwit is well-known for his advocacy of the less fortunate sectors of society.
The WHO confers the annual award to individuals who have contributed significantly to the betterment of health and well-being in the region. Along with Dr. Suwit, two other individuals, Dr. Virna Maria Gusmao dos Reis Martins from Timor-Leste and Dr. G. Nageswara Rao from India, received the award this year.
Dr. Suwit’s efforts and contributions to Thailand’s public health system have been commendable, and his recognition by the WHO is well-deserved. The award highlights the importance of strong and futuristic public health systems and acknowledges the individuals who dedicate their lives to making it a reality.