Kuwait’s Al-Sumait Prize for African Development in January called for nominations for its 2021 award in the Health category.

Nominations for the US $1 million prize must be received by Al-Sumait’s Prize Office no later than June 30.

Al-Sumait Prize, health category, is open to individuals and organizations delivering pioneering and high-impact contributions to solving health challenges in Africa, with a special focus in the 2021 cycle on the utilization of effective frameworks and programs to resolve and manage health crises such as SARS and COVID-19.

Dr. Adnan Shihab-Eldin, Director General of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences-KFAS, which administers the Prize, said, “the 2021 Prize recognizes individuals and institutions who contributed in substantial ways to improvements within the field of Health, including developing health-care systems on the continent, especially for the underprivileged.”

With the overarching aim of acknowledging organizations and researchers whose contributions are distinguished by innovation, the fostering of equity, and broad positive impact in the areas of health, education, and food security, the Prize has awarded US$6 million over the last five years; In 2015 & 2018 the prize was dedicated to Health; in 2016 & 2019 to Food Security; and 2017 & 2020 to Education. The 2021 nomination cycle is dedicated anew to the area of Health.

Commenting on the prominence of the Prize, Dr. Daniel Gustafson, member of AlSumait Board of Trustees representing the FAO, said: “The Al-Sumait Prize is unique and vital in the way it calls attention to the innovations and the dedication of outstanding individuals and institutions who have contributed to the development of food security, education, and health in Africa.

“The integrity and care that goes into the selection process facilitates this recognition, not only for the annual winners but for every nominee who makes it through the screening process.”