UNAM Faculty of Medicine National Health Prize 2026, Digi Mart USA News (Mexico): The Faculty of Medicine of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) was honored with the 2026 National Health Prize in the Public Sector category. The recognition highlights the Faculty’s contribution to training health professionals, its academic work, and its impact on strengthening the National Health System.
The award ceremony was held at the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia under the guiding theme “Health, Dignity and Human Rights,” which shaped the activities of this edition. Upon receiving the distinction, Dr.
Ana Carolina Sepúlveda Vildósola, director of the Faculty, thanked the recognition on behalf of the community and said that “our Faculty is heir to a tradition of almost five centuries of contributions to Mexican medicine.”
In her remarks, Dr. Sepúlveda emphasized that the theme “Health, Dignity and Human Rights” reminds us that scientific and technological advances acquire their true meaning when they contribute to people’s well-being, especially those facing greater vulnerability.
She noted that the institution’s achievements are built through the daily efforts of students, faculty, researchers and staff, and through a deep commitment to public service.
Dr. Sepúlveda invited members of the community present to stand in representation of the more than 35,000 people who contribute daily to the Faculty’s mission.
In closing, she said the prize “does not represent an endpoint, but a commitment to continue strengthening the training of professionals with scientific, ethical and humanistic excellence,” with the goal of placing university knowledge at the service of society. The audience then celebrated by singing the traditional Goya universitario.
The ceremony also featured remarks from Dr. José Antonio Guevara Bermúdez, academic director of the Museo Memoria y Tolerancia, who said that “health is not only a medical matter, but also one of social justice and human rights.” Óscar David Hernández Carranza, president of the National Health Prize, spoke about solidarity and civic commitment, saying that “in Mexico there are people and institutions doing extraordinary things for health and for others.” A message was also projected from Dr.
José Antonio Lozano Díez, president of the Governing Board of IPADE and Universidad Panamericana.
Special messages were shared by public figures including Aurelio Nuño Mayer, promoter of the national campaign “Escuelas sin miedo,” which focuses on preventing school bullying and addressing its mental health effects. Testimonies from previous award recipients were also presented, including Dr.
Gabriela Borrayo Sánchez, secretary general of the Faculty of Medicine and winner of the 2019 Medical Excellence Recognition in Cardiology.
The ceremony also recognized initiatives in other sectors. In the civil society category, the award went to the Patronato del Centro de Prevención de Quemaduras, A.C., represented by Dr.
Óscar Gutiérrez, for implementing the “No más quemados” methodology and its care and prevention work. In the business category, Lilly México, represented by Carlos Kane, was recognized for a campaign focused on raising awareness of Alzheimer’s, promoting timely diagnosis and providing comprehensive support to people living with the condition.
In the individual category, Dr. Carlos Pedro Santos-Burgoa Zarnecki was honored for his work in public health and protection against health risks.
