By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Caption: Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, (Left) and the President of the SAPC, Mogologolo Phasha (Right), presented the award to Precious Matsoso (Middle).
Precious Matsoso received the inaugural National Health Impact Recognition Award, the South African Pharmacy Council’s (SAPC) highest honour, at the 4th National Pharmacy Conference 2026 Gala Dinner in Durban.
The award acknowledges her distinguished contribution to public health leadership, health policy development, medicines access and the strengthening of health systems in South Africa and internationally.
The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, and the President of the SAPC, Mogologolo Phasha, presented the award.
The National Pioneer Pharmacy Awards recognises pharmacy professionals and facilities from all sectors of pharmacy that leaders in the provision of quality pharmaceutical services.
Matsoso has built an influential career spanning national health administration, medicines regulation and global health diplomacy.
She served as Director-General of South Africa’s National Department of Health from 2010 to 2019, where she helped develop and implement policies to strengthen the country’s health system.
She previously led the Medicines Control Council for six years and served as Director of Public Health Innovation and Intellectual Property at the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Her contributions to global health also include leadership in international efforts to improve pandemic preparedness and response.
As Co-Chair of the WHO Intergovernmental Negotiating Body, she played a central role in negotiations towards the first global pandemic agreement, adopted by the World Health Assembly in May 2025.
Her work has helped advance equitable access to pandemic-related health products and stronger global cooperation in responding to future health emergencies.