For Immediate Release

Monday 18th May, 2026

The Ministry of Health & Wellness extends heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis, distinguished Bahamian physician and public health leader, on the occasion of her receiving an honorary lifetime achievement award from the World Health Organization (WHO). This prestigious recognition, presented during the opening of the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, reflects decades of exceptional service and contribution to public health in The Bahamas, the region of the Americas, and the wider international community.

For decades, Dr. Dahl-Regis has represented the very best of Bahamian excellence through discipline, technical expertise, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of others. Appointed Chief Medical Officer in 1997, she helped strengthen and modernize the country’s public health system during a critical period of development in healthcare delivery and disease prevention.

Working alongside the Ministry of Health’s health education team and with support from the Pan American Health Organization, she helped implement a national strategy using the MMR vaccine to prevent congenital rubella syndrome in The Bahamas. The success of that Bahamian approach became a model adopted throughout the region of the Americas and later informed global strategy.

Today, because of the work led by Dr. Dahl-Regis and the dedication of generations of healthcare professionals, The Bahamas has not recorded a case of congenital rubella syndrome in more than twenty-five years. In 2009, The Bahamas was also verified as having eliminated measles.

Her expertise in epidemiology, vaccine safety, and disease surveillance led to her appointment to the World Health Organization’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization. She later chaired the International Expert Committee responsible for verifying the elimination of measles, rubella, and congenital rubella syndrome in the Americas, helping guide the Americas to becoming the first WHO region declared free of endemic measles and rubella.

Dr. Dahl-Regis also served internationally through leadership roles with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and through her chairmanship of the WHO and PAHO Global Validation Advisory Committee responsible for verifying the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis. Her expertise also contributed to revisions of the International Health Regulations, pandemic preparedness initiatives, and evaluations of the WHO and PAHO COVID-19 response.

In 2018, she became the first Bahamian and the first Caribbean woman to receive PAHO’s Public Health Hero of the Americas Award, another milestone in a distinguished career of service.

Beyond her international accomplishments, Dr. Dahl-Regis has remained deeply committed to mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and the continued development of healthcare professionals in The Bahamas. She consistently emphasizes the importance of discipline, professionalism, and continuous learning while encouraging young professionals to pursue excellence, expand their skills, and use their knowledge in service to others. Her career stands as a reminder that Bahamians can contribute meaningfully to global health while continuing to strengthen communities here at home.

On behalf of the Ministry of Health & Wellness and the people of The Bahamas, I congratulate Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis on this well-deserved honour. I express gratitude to her for a lifetime of service, leadership, and commitment that has brought pride to our nation and lasting benefit to the public health community at home, in the region of the Americas, and around the world.

Congratulations, Dr. Dahl-Regis. The Bahamas salutes you with gratitude and pride!

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