Per Ashorn receives the Child Advocacy Award

Paediatrician and Professor of Paediatrics Per Ashorn has been honoured with the Child Advocacy Award in recognition of his long-standing international efforts in promoting the health and well-being of vulnerable children. This €5,000 award is granted by the Finnish Paediatric Society every two years. 

Ashorn’s research has focused on maternal and paediatric health, particularly in Africa and southern Asia. His findings have influenced several international recommendations.

Ashorn currently heads the Newborn and Child Health and Development Unit at the World Health Organization (WHO).

Due to travel restrictions related to WHO’s current situation, Ashorn was unable to accept the award in person. However, he considers the USA’s withdrawal from WHO to be a minor issue compared to its decision to dismantle USAID and the impact this decision will have, especially on vulnerable children. Ashorn commented that the world seems to be moving in a direction where global development is increasingly driven by the interests of the most powerful and privileged.

In his award speech, Ashorn emphasised the societal role of paediatricians and how they can all advocate for children’s rights. He encouraged everyone to work for justice, noting that there are plenty of areas where these efforts are needed, both locally and globally.

Press release on the Finnish Paediatric Society's website (in Finnish)