WHO honours mRNA Covid-19 vaccine developers
The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) has honoured the two scientists who created the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines with the Director-General’s Award for Global Health.
The two scientists, Professors Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman of the University of Pennsylvania, were recognised for their groundbreaking work at the opening of the World Health Assembly.
The WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, stated this while presenting the award to them.
According to him, Professors Karikó and Weissman played a key role in alleviating the burden of COVID-19 and saving lives during the pandemic. Their leadership has the potential to revolutionise global health.”
The award was presented during the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
“Their research on a novel nucleoside-modified mRNA platform paved the way for the rapid development of highly effective COVID-19 vaccines, DG added.
“This technology has the potential to be applied to other diseases, making their contribution even more significant.
This award highlights the immense impact of mRNA vaccines and the dedication of the scientists who made them possible.
