Task Force Awards

Recognising the work of organizations addressing air pollution and chronic respiratory diseases

The United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases is pleased to share a call for nominations for the 2026 Task Force Awards.

Since 2018, these Awards have recognized achievements on multisectoral action in the prevention and control of NCDs, mental health and the wider NCD-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Last year, the Task Force recognised organizations working specifically to prevent and manage obesity.

This year, the Task Force recognizes organizations that are working to prevent and manage chronic respiratory diseases while reducing the harmful impact of air pollution on human health.

Awards will be made in three categories:

1. Ministries of health and government health agencies.
2. Other government bodies, including ministries or government agencies outside the health sector, as well as city and municipal authorities.
3. Non-governmental organizations, research and academic institutions, and foundations, including initiatives jointly implemented in partnership with government agencies. 

Nominated organizations should demonstrate outstanding contributions and measurable results in designing, developing, and/or promoting effective interventions to prevent and manage chronic respiratory diseases and mitigate the health impacts of air pollution. Initiatives that integrate strategies for the prevention and control of chronic respiratory diseases with actions to reduce air pollution, particularly those involving cross-sector collaboration and sustainable policy or programmatic solutions, are especially encouraged.

The nomination should describe how the institution, agency or organization being nominated has demonstrated the ability to: 

• Create new and innovative approaches and activities.
• Lead the agenda and work with partners.
• Mobilize resources, knowledge and expertise.
• Meet challenges and overcome significant obstacles.
• Act as an exemplar to others.

We, particularly, encourage nominations from the sectors of health, environment, urban planning, housing, energy, transport and labour, including those highlighting actions that address inequities and support marginalized communities.

Nominations cannot come from an individual working in the institution being nominated or a board member of the institution being nominated. 

How to submit a nomination

The nomination form can be accessed here and should be completed in English by the person making the nomination.

This form should be returned to unncdtaskforce@who.int.

In addition, for non-governmental organizations, academia and foundations, the nomination form should be accompanied by the following for the organization being nominated:

1. The standard WHO arms and tobacco disclosure statement, which should be completed and signed by the organization being nominated.
2. A copy of the organization’s legal status.
3. The composition of its decision-making body (such as the Board, Council, or Assembly).
4. Sources of funding (lists of donors and sponsors).
5. Affiliations (parent entity, subsidiaries, or branches).

If these elements are available on the organization’s webpage, the nomination may direct us to the relevant pages and confirm its accuracy at the time of submission.

How the winners are selected

Winners will be selected by a panel that consists of the Secretariat and members of the Task Force.

Closing date

28 August 2026

Announcement of awards

The Awards will be officially presented during the 80^th session of the World Health Assembly in May 2027. Ahead of main ceremony, preliminary announcements and/or category-specific recognitions may also be organized.