Iranian physician wins WHO eastern Mediterranean cancer prize
Amir Ali Hamidieh, a professor at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, was selected to receive the World Health Organization’s State of Kuwait Prize for the Control of Cancer, Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, Iran’s Health Ministry said, with the award to be presented during the WHO regional committee’s 73rd session in October 2026.
Hamidieh, a specialist in pediatric hematology and oncology and stem-cell transplantation, was chosen in the cancer category. The formal decision was approved by the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean following a recommendation from the prize’s foundation committee, IRNA reported.
The award recognizes individuals who make outstanding contributions to the prevention, control or research of cancer, cardiovascular diseases or diabetes. It comprises a bronze medal and a cash prize and is presented during the annual session of the regional committee.
Hamidieh’s selection places an Iranian medical researcher among the 2026 recipients of one of WHO’s regional public health prizes. The same decision named Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub of Egypt for cardiovascular diseases and Dr. Fatheya Al Awadi of the United Arab Emirates for diabetes.
The State of Kuwait Prize was established in 2003 to recognize advances in tackling major noncommunicable diseases across the Eastern Mediterranean. WHO says the award can honor contributions spanning prevention, disease control and research.