Former Portuguese president Jorge Sampaio has been honoured by the United Nations for his decades of public service to the international community.

Mr Sampaio is one of the recipients of the first UN Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize, named after the first democratically elected leader of South Africa.

Also receiving the award is Dr Helena Ndume, a Namibian eye doctor who helped thousands of people avoid blindness.

Mr Sampaio talks to Ruth Fertig about his life’s work fighting for democracy, human rights and public health, both in Portugal and as the UN envoy for stopping tuberculosis.

Duration:  2’34"