Continuing Miss World’s tribute to all Beauty With a Purpose winners as part of its 75th anniversary celebration, we highlight the 2006 Beauty With a Purpose Winner, Lamisi Mbillahof Ghana.

Lamisi Mbillah was recognized for her impactful humanitarian work addressing two major public health challenges in Ghana: Guinea worm disease and iodine deficiency. At a time when Ghana was among the countries most affected by Guinea worm, Lamisi worked closely with health workers and local communities, particularly in rural areas, to raise awareness about the disease, its causes, and prevention methods such as access to clean drinking water and water filtration.

In addition, she actively supported national efforts to combat iodine deficiency disorders, educating families on the importance of using iodized salt to prevent conditions such as goiter and developmental problems, especially among children and pregnant women.

Today, Ghana stands as a major success story in both areas. The country has been officially certified free of Guinea worm disease, following years of sustained public health interventions, community education, and clean-water initiatives, efforts to which awareness campaigns like Lamisi’s contributed. While iodine deficiency has been significantly reduced through nationwide salt iodization programs, continued education remains essential to ensure long-term compliance and protect vulnerable populations.

Her engagement, direct community outreach, and commitment to public health education earned her the Beauty With a Purpose Award in 2006, highlighting the role of Miss World contestants as advocates for meaningful and lasting change.