Egypt wins 2026 Nelson Mandela award for Health Promotion, Dr. Kandeel first Egyptian recipient

 Deputy Minister of Health for preventive medicine and public health has won the 2026 Nelson Mandela Award for health Promotion. This award was granted to Kandeel as a recognition of more than 25 years of service to public health in Egypt and the region. 


This award was established by WHO in 2019 to commemorate the birth of Nelson Mandela, the south african anti-apartheid leader who spent his life voting for equality, justice and human rights. This award is presented annually to people who made an outstanding contributions on improving community health. Kandeel is the first Egyptian to receive this award. It is scheduled to receive it in May 2026 during the WHO assembly session. 

His most prominent achievements is his efforts in leading Egypt's preventive medicine system to earn WHO certification for getting rid of Polio, Measles, Rubella, Trachoma and Malaria. This makes Egypt the first African country to achieve this.  

He personally oversaw the control of hepatitis B among children. Additionally, he super headed major advancements in infection prevention with five hospitals obtaining international accreditation. 

What about the ministers of Medicine in antiguity?

There was no single Minister of Medicine but a highly organized medical hierarchy. The key medical officials were:

1. Chief Physician (WR SWNW)  who was the hghest ranking doctor in a region.

2. Palace Physicians, they served the pharaoh and royal family.

3. Temple Physicians that worked in temples and combined science with religion.

4. Specialists for example doctors for eyes, teeth, stomach..etc.

Medicine in Ancient Egypt was linked to a sacred art linked to Thoth, Sekhmet and Imhotep.

Who was Imhotep?

He was a famous Physician, Architect and High official during the reign of Pharoah Djoser during the third dynasty 27th century BCE. He is the architect of the first stone built structure in the world: the step pyramid. 

Centuries later he was deified as a god of medicine which is the ultimate honor beyond any prize. 

Did ancient Egyptian Physicians receive prizes?

They didn't receive medals or cash but they recceived prestigious rewards like titles and honors, wealth and land, royal favor, elaborate tombs, fame that endures centuries. 

In rare cases like Imhotep, the recognition crossed into religious worship which was the highest possible award. 

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