Professor Helen Rees recognised for outstanding contribution to global health

MedAccess today congratulates Board Chair, Professor Helen Rees OBE, for being named 2025 laureate of the prestigious Dr LEE Jong-wook Memorial Prize for Public Health. The prize, presented by the Korean Foundation for International Health (KOFIH), recognises Professor Rees’ contribution to global health as a medical doctor, a public health specialist, and a strong voice for equity in global health.

As founder and Executive Director of Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Professor Rees has spent more than three decades on the frontline of efforts to tackle HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in South Africa. She is also Chair of the Board of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority.

Professor Rees has played a leading role in international health as chair of several World Health Organization committees and she has brought her strategic expertise to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, through Board-level roles. She was appointed as MedAccess Board Chair in October 2022.

“Helen is a champion for access and equity in global health,” said MedAccess CEO Michael Anderson. “She has dedicated her life to ensuring more people get the healthcare they need when they need it, from HIV services in South Africa to vaccines against COVID-19. MedAccess has benefitted greatly from Helen’s insight over the past two-and-a-half years and the entire team congratulates her on winning this prestigious award.”

Established in 2008 by the World Health Organization with the financial and operational support of KOFIH, the Dr LEE Jong-wook Memorial Prize for Public Health honours individuals and organisations that champion equity in global health, perpetuating Dr LEE’s vision of a world where no one is left behind.

Professor Rees was presented with the award during the 78^th World Health Assembly. Read the World Health Organization’s press release here.